Development and Evaluation of Tri-Axial Fiber Bragg Grating Force Sensor for Catheter

Abstract: Avoiding the electromagnetic interference is one of the most difficult technical challenge during catheterization. The use of an optical fiber force sensor in the catheter can be an alternative. Herein, two flexure structures were designed for catheter tip and simulated using ANSYS to verify their sensitivity and durability. Fiber Bragg Grating sensors were configured to measure the tri-axial force exerted on the catheter tip. Calibrated result shows that an optical fiber force sensor can measure an axial force of up to 50 gF with an accuracy of 1 gF. Our calibration results demonstrate reliable measurement with high accuracy with repeatability.