Abstract

Retinal microsurgery requires precise manipulation of delicate tissue in the interior of the eye. Force sensing instruments can provide surgeons the imperceptible force information, thereby improving the safety of retinal microsurgery. Previous force sensing microneedles have demonstrated robust performance in transverse force measurement. However, in some surgical operations such as puncturing the vessel, the axial force sensing function is critical. In this article, we present a three degrees of freedom force sensing microneedle based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. A novel configuration of the FBG sensors is arranged to detect the transverse and axial forces. Three optical fibers with dual FBGs are longitudinally attached along the outside surface of a Nitinol tube. Benefiting from the novel configuration of the FBG sensors, a hollow channel can be used to pass through injection catheter. A new force calculation algorithm was developed to decouple the transverse forces and axial forces. Experimental results demonstrate the proposed force calculation algorithm can achieve a resolution of 0.124 and 0.74 mN for transverse forces and axial forces, respectively. Validation and temperature compensation experiments show the force sensor can provide consistent and accurate measurement of 3-D forces within 35–37 °C temperature variation.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.