Method and system for absolute three-dimensional measurements using a twist-insensitive shape sensor
First Claim
1. An apparatus comprising:
- a reference fixture including a joint with at least one degree of freedom, the reference fixture adapted to be fixed in a world reference frame, wherein the reference fixture includes a hollow rod extending through the joint;
a flexible and torsionally stiff tether having a proximal end, a distal end, and defining a first lumen extending therethrough, wherein the proximal end of the tether is coupled to the hollow rod so that the tether and the hollow rod rotate together, and wherein the distal end of the tether is coupled to a surgical instrument and limits movement of the surgical instrument relative to the reference fixture;
the surgical instrument having a component that defines a second lumen, wherein the second lumen is not coaxially aligned with the first lumen; and
a shape-sensing optic fiber continuously extending through the hollow rod, through the first lumen of the tether, and through a portion of the second lumen defined by the component of the surgical instrument, wherein the shape-sensing optic fiber comprises an optic fiber core surrounded by a cladding layer, the tether rotatable with the hollow rod relative to the shape-sensing optic fiber.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus includes a reference fixture. The reference fixture includes a joint, and a joint tracker to track motion of the joint. The apparatus also includes a surgical instrument. A tether is connected between the joint and the surgical instrument. A shape sensor extends from the reference fixture through the joint, through the tether, and into the surgical instrument. The shape sensor is substantially free of twist. The joint tracker measures the motion of the joint. Information from the shape sensor in combination with information from the joint tracker provides absolute three-dimensional information relative to the reference fixture, i.e., provides absolute three-dimensional information in a fixed world reference frame.
36 Citations
13 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
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a reference fixture including a joint with at least one degree of freedom, the reference fixture adapted to be fixed in a world reference frame, wherein the reference fixture includes a hollow rod extending through the joint; a flexible and torsionally stiff tether having a proximal end, a distal end, and defining a first lumen extending therethrough, wherein the proximal end of the tether is coupled to the hollow rod so that the tether and the hollow rod rotate together, and wherein the distal end of the tether is coupled to a surgical instrument and limits movement of the surgical instrument relative to the reference fixture; the surgical instrument having a component that defines a second lumen, wherein the second lumen is not coaxially aligned with the first lumen; and a shape-sensing optic fiber continuously extending through the hollow rod, through the first lumen of the tether, and through a portion of the second lumen defined by the component of the surgical instrument, wherein the shape-sensing optic fiber comprises an optic fiber core surrounded by a cladding layer, the tether rotatable with the hollow rod relative to the shape-sensing optic fiber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification