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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
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Direct Force Measurements of Subcellular Mechanics in Confinement using Optical Tweezers
Published on: August 31, 2021
Integrating optical fiber force sensors into microforceps for ORL microsurgery
Brett Bell1, Stefan Stankowski, Benjamin Moser
1ARTORG Center - Institue for Surgical Technologies and Biomechanics, University of Bern, Stauffacherstrasse 78, CH-3014, Switzerland. brett.bell@istb.unibe.ch
Summary
Surgeons can now precisely measure crimp forces during stapedectomy using a new fiber Bragg grating (FBG) microforceps. This innovation aims to improve surgical outcomes by ensuring optimal force application for stapes prosthesis attachment.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Instrumentation
Background:
- Stapedectomy requires precise force application for secure prosthesis attachment.
- Inaccurate crimp forces can lead to poor sound transmission or incus necrosis.
- Current methods lack precise force measurement during the crimping process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel microforceps for precise force measurement during stapedectomy.
- To enable objective assessment of crimp forces in stapes prosthesis attachment.
- To explore integration with robotic systems for enhanced surgical control.
Main Methods:
- Development of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) integrated microforceps.
- Calibration and testing of the FBG microforceps in cadaver preparations.
- Exploration of robotic actuation and attachment methods for the microforceps.
Main Results:
- The FBG microforceps successfully measured forces during the crimping of a stapes prosthesis to the incus for the first time.
- The device demonstrated potential for reproducible and precise force measurement in a simulated surgical environment.
- A method for integrating the microforceps with a robotic system was discussed.
Conclusions:
- The developed FBG microforceps offer a new capability for precise force measurement in stapedectomy.
- This technology has the potential to improve surgical accuracy, consistency, and patient outcomes.
- Integration with robotic systems could further enhance surgical precision and confidence.
