Abstract
To achieve quantitative palpation in vivo, we developed a catheter-type tactile sensor composed of a polyvinylidene fluoride film for minimally invasive surgery. We evaluated the fundamental performance of the prototype sensor by a weight-drop test. We also measured the output of the prototype sensor as it was inserted into a blood vessel model with shapes mimicking lesions. The ø2-mm sensor passed easily into the blood vessel model with lesion-like shapes. Sensor outputs corresponded to the shape of the inner wall of the blood vessel model, making it possible to determine the position of a protrusion and the convexity interval of a rough surface by filtering and frequency analysis of the output.
Highlights
Tactile sensor for medical applications Catheters and guidewires are used in the treatment of infarctions and aneurysms
We fabricated a prototype catheter-type tactile sensor composed of a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) film
We measured the output of the sensor as it was inserted into a blood vessel model with shapes mimicking lesions
Summary
Tactile sensor for medical applications Catheters and guidewires are used in the treatment of infarctions and aneurysms. Because wide incisions of tissue are not necessary to approach lesions using catheters and guidewires, this surgery can produce equivalent results with less pain and better functioning compared to open surgery. Manipulation of these devices is limited to pushing, pulling, and twisting at the proximal portion outside the human body, and the procedure is very difficult due to the small diameter and tortuosity of blood vessels. Many cerebral aneurysms form at the internal carotid artery, which has a highly curved part called the carotid siphon [3] In this curved part, the guidewire contacts the blood vessel wall, and friction from this contact makes control of the guidewire difficult. Various catheter-type sensors have been developed to measure the contact force [5,6,7,8,9,10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
