Characterization and Investigation into the Accuracy of Touch-Based Registration Using Fiber Optic Shape Sensing

Abstract

Image guidance is increasingly used by surgeons to locate specific anatomy more accurately during surgery. Unfortunately, many of the sensing systems currently used for image guidance, such as optical or magnetic tracking, have limitations that make them incompatible with certain surgical techniques or medical imaging technologies. Recently, fiber optic shape sensing has emerged as an alternate technology that could overcome these challenges. This work investigates whether a commercially available Fiber Optic Shape Sensor (FOSS) can feasibly be used for image guided surgery via touchbased registration. It first aims to characterize the FOSS by testing the effect that conditions common during touch-based registration have on the sensor’s shape and tip position measurements. Lastly, a method of using the FOSS for touch-based registration that aims to mitigate the effects of these conditions is presented and evaluated.