Abstract: A biopsy needle has a central axis and includes one or more sensing regions, each sensing region formed by a plurality of sensing optical fibers located over a particular extent of said central axis and inside the outer shell of the needle. The sensing optical fibers are coupled to a wavelength interrogator. A steerable catheter has a central axis and outer shell, the outer shell coupled to a plurality of optical fibers in sensing regions and actuation regions, the sensing regions formed over particular extents of the central axis by bonding gratings to the inner surface of the outer shell, and the actuation regions formed by coupling optical energy into shape memory alloys bonded to the outer shell.

Abstract: A biopsy needle has a central axis and includes one or more sensing regions, each sensing region formed by a plurality of sensing optical fibers located over a particular extent of said central axis and inside the outer shell of the needle. The sensing optical fibers are coupled to a wavelength interrogator. A steerable catheter has a central axis and outer shell, the outer shell coupled to a plurality of optical fibers in sensing regions and actuation regions, the sensing regions formed over particular extents of the central axis by bonding gratings to the inner surface of the outer shell, and the actuation regions formed by coupling optical energy into shape memory alloys bonded to the outer shell.

Abstract: A biopsy needle has a central axis and includes one or more sensing regions, each sensing region formed by a plurality of sensing optical fibers located over a particular extent of said central axis and inside the outer shell of the needle. The sensing optical fibers are coupled to a wavelength interrogator. A steerable catheter has a central axis and outer shell, the outer shell coupled to a plurality of optical fibers in sensing regions and actuation regions, the sensing regions formed over particular extents of the central axis by bonding gratings to the inner surface of the outer shell, and the actuation regions formed by coupling optical energy into shape memory alloys bonded to the outer shell.

Abstract: Various aspects as described herein are directed to methods and systems that include a tissue-engagement apparatus. The tissue-engagement apparatus includes a distal needle portion having a sharp-end region to be applied to a tissue surface. The tissue-engagement apparatus also includes a proximate needle portion to attach to a needle base, and an elongated needle portion, situated between the distal needle portion. The elongated needle portion includes a plurality of openings that accentuate haptic-type forces carried by the elongated needle portion in response to engagement between the sharp-end region and the tissue surface. Additionally, the proximate needle portion includes a communication pathway that conveys information, from the distal needle portion along the elongated needle portion, which characterizes forces due to the engagement between the sharp-end region and the tissue surface.

Abstract: A biopsy needle has a central axis and includes one or more sensing regions, each sensing region formed by a plurality of sensing optical fibers located over a particular extent of said central axis and inside the outer shell of the needle. The sensing optical fibers are coupled to a wavelength interrogator. A steerable catheter has a central axis and outer shell, the outer shell coupled to a plurality of optical fibers in sensing regions and actuation regions, the sensing regions formed over particular extents of the central axis by bonding gratings to the inner surface of the outer shell, and the actuation regions formed by coupling optical energy into shape memory alloys bonded to the outer shell.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to master-slave apparatuses as well as methods of making and implementing the same. As consistent with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a master platform having a manipulation section, and a slave platform mechanically coupled to the master platform and having an interventional-delivery section that secures an interventional tool. The slave platform moves in accordance to three-dimensional movement of the master platform, via supports having a portion thereof fixed relative to the other supports. Each support operates with a respective one of the master and slave platforms for effecting three-dimensional movement of the slave platform, in response to and while tracking (e.g., transmitting) the movement of the master platform, thereby providing control over the interventional tool via the manipulation section of the master platform.

Abstract: A biopsy needle has a central axis and includes one or more sensing regions, each sensing region formed by a plurality of sensing optical fibers located over a particular extent of said central axis and inside the outer shell of the needle. The sensing optical fibers are coupled to a wavelength interrogator. A steerable catheter has a central axis and outer shell, the outer shell coupled to a plurality of optical fibers in sensing regions and actuation regions, the sensing regions formed over particular extents of the central axis by bonding gratings to the inner surface of the outer shell, and the actuation regions formed by coupling optical energy into shape memory alloys bonded to the outer shell.