FBG-Based Soft System for Assisted Epidural Anesthesia: Design Optimization and Clinical Assessment

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Device Technology
• Sensing Technologies

Background:

• Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors are established for medical applications like surgery and biomechanics.
• Preliminary research explored FBG use in epidural procedures for loss of resistance (LOR) detection.
• Current methods for LOR detection during epidural punctures present challenges in sensitivity and invasiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize a soft, flexible FBG-based system for detecting LOR during epidural procedures.
• To assess the impact of material selection and design on sensor performance.
• To evaluate the clinical feasibility of the proposed FBG sensor system.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of a soft, flexible FBG sensor.
• Optimization of sensor design and material properties.
• Assessment of sensor sensitivity and non-invasiveness.
• Clinical feasibility testing during simulated epidural procedures.

Main Results:

• The developed soft sensor (SS) demonstrates high sensitivity for LOR detection.
• Material and design choices significantly influence the FBG system's response and performance.
• The proposed SS is non-invasive, with the sensing element external to the needle.
• Successful demonstration of the system's feasibility in detecting LOR during epidural procedures.

Conclusions:

• The optimized soft FBG sensor system effectively detects LOR during epidural punctures.
• The system offers a sensitive, non-invasive solution that aligns with standard clinical practice.
• This technology has the potential to improve the safety and accuracy of epidural procedures.