Abstract: A triggering device includes an optical fiber (126) configured for optical shape sensing. A supporting element (104) is configured to support a portion of the optical fiber. An interface element (106) is configured to interact with the optical fiber associated with the supporting element to cause a change in a property of the fiber. A sensing module (115) is configured to interpret an optical signal to determine changes in the property of the fiber and accordingly generate a corresponding trigger signal.

Abstract: A universal FORS insert (20-22) for a plurality of different surgical instruments with each surgical instrument (50) including a lumen (51). Universal FORS insert (20-22) employs a FORS sensor (30) for generating sensing data indicative of a reconstructed shape of a tracking segment (30T) of FORS sensor (30). Universal FORS insert (20-22) further employs a protective sleeve (40) permanent encircling a portion or an entirety of tracking segment (30T) for inserting tracking segment (30T) into and retracting FORS insert (20-22) from within the lumen (51) of each surgical instrument (50). The plurality of surgical instruments may be a same version or different versions of a same instrument type of surgical instrument (e.g., same sized k-wires and/or different sized k-wires), or different instrument types of surgical instruments (e.g., a j-needle and an awl).

Abstract: The invention addresses the problem of correctly positioning a catheter and reducing radiation doses. It relates to an X-ray imaging system (1) for a robotic catheter, comprising said catheter (3), and a processing unit (5) for receiving X-ray images of a patient environment (15). By being adapted to receive one or more auxiliary information items and using said information for determining the catheter position, the processing unit does not entirely have to rely on a large number of scanned image data, thus helping to reduce radiation while correctly delivering the catheter position as a function of as few as a single image, preferably 2D, and said one auxiliary information items. Further, said processing unit allows for at least one of rendering an image and provide said image to a visualization device (21), and providing feedback, e.g. steering commands, to said robotic catheter.

Abstract: A universal FORS insert (20-22) for a plurality of different surgical instruments with each surgical instrument (50) including a lumen (51). Universal FORS insert (20-22) employs a FORS sensor (30) for generating sensing data indicative of a reconstructed shape of a tracking segment (30T) of FORS sensor (30). Universal FORS insert (20-22) further employs a protective sleeve (40) permanent encircling a portion or an entirety of tracking segment (30T) for inserting tracking segment (30T) into and retracting FORS insert (20-22) from within the lumen (51) of each surgical instrument (50). The plurality of surgical instruments may be a same version or different versions of a same instrument type of surgical instrument (e.g., same sized k-wires and/or different sized k-wires), or different instrument types of surgical instruments (e.g., a j-needle and an awl).

Abstract: A triggering device includes an optical fiber (126) configured for optical shape sensing. A supporting element (104) is configured to support a portion of the optical fiber. An interface element (106) is configured to interact with the optical fiber associated with the supporting element to cause a change in a property of the fiber. A sensing module (115) is configured to interpret an optical signal to determine changes in the property of the fiber and accordingly generate a corresponding trigger signal.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing 3D shape of a longitudinal device using an optical fiber with optical shape sensing (OSS) properties, e.g. Bragg gratings. By attaching the optical fiber to the longitudinal device, such that the optical fiber follows its 3D shape upon bending, known OSS techniques can be applied to reconstruct 3D shape of the optical fiber, and thus also the longitudinal device, e.g. a medical catheter. E.g. the optical fiber, e.g. placed in a guide wire, can be inserted in a lumen of the longitudinal device. Hereby, one OSS system can be used for 3D tracking a plurality of non-shape sensed catheters or other longitudinal devices. In case the longitudinal device is longer than the optical fiber, the position and shape of the remaining part of the longitudinal device may be estimated and visualized to a user, e.g. based on a known length of the longitudinal device, and based on an orientation of an end point of the optical fiber, e.g.

Abstract: The invention addresses the problem of correctly positioning a catheter and reducing radiation doses. It relates to an X-ray imaging system (1) for a robotic catheter, comprising said catheter (3), and a processing unit (5) for receiving X-ray images of a patient environment (15). By being adapted to receive one or more auxiliary information items and using said information for determining the catheter position, the processing unit does not entirely have to rely on a large number of scanned image data, thus helping to reduce radiation while correctly delivering the catheter position as a function of as few as a single image, preferably 2D, and said one auxiliary information items. Further, said processing unit allows for at least one of rendering an image and provide said image to a visualization device (21), and providing feedback, e.g. steering commands, to said robotic catheter.