Visualization method based stiffness sensing system for endoscopes

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices
• Surgical Instrumentation

Background:

• Endoscopic procedures require accurate tissue characterization.
• Existing methods for stiffness sensing during endoscopy are limited.
• Force visualization mechanisms offer potential for non-electrical sensing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, attachable stiffness sensing system for endoscopes.
• To enable visual measurement of tissue stiffness via endoscopic visualization.
• To create a simple, disposable, and MRI-compatible sensing solution.

Main Methods:

• Developed a sensing system attachable to standard endoscopes.
• Integrated a force visualization mechanism for visual force measurement.
• Incorporated a pressing limitation structure to measure force at a defined point.
• Validated the stiffness measurement capability experimentally.

Main Results:

• The developed sensing system is attachable to endoscopes.
• Stiffness is measured by visualizing force via the endoscope.
• The system features no electrical components, is disposable, simple, and sterilizable.
• MRI-compatibility and low-cost were achieved.
• Experimental validation confirmed the system's functionality.

Conclusions:

• A novel, low-cost, and disposable stiffness sensing system for endoscopes has been successfully developed.
• The system enables visual stiffness measurement through force visualization, enhancing endoscopic diagnostics.
• The developed system offers advantages including MRI-compatibility, simplicity, and ease of sterilization.