Distributed strain sensing optical guidance for epidural anesthesia

Aidana Beisenova, Aizhan Issatayeva, Carlo Molardi, Daniele Tosi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Epidural anesthesia is the most diffused clinical practice described as a placement of a medical needle into an epidural space, an insertion of a catheter through the needle and an injection of anesthetic in order to numb the nerves. A skilled anesthesiologist penetrates the needle through tissue layers such as subcutaneous fat, interspinous ligament, intraspinous ligament, ligamentum flavum and reaches the target space. Currently, methods of positioning of the needle tip into the epidural space are based on subjective perception, which are not safe and accurate. In order to improve the effectiveness of the epidural space identification, this work proposes a sensorized optical fiber mounted externally on the needle. This medical device provides continuous and real-Time measurements with the help of an optical backscattered reflectometry. When the needle is exposed to strain variations during its advancement, the intensity of backscattered light changes. By correlating the spectrum with the reference one, strain patterns can be produced. Obtained data can detect the needle passage from one tissue to the other in a custom made phantom, which mimics a human spinal anatomy. Specifically, needle passage from the stiff ligamentum flavum to the soft epidural space results in a significant strain drop and a consequent increase, which is considered as a crucial indicator of epidural space identification. The proposed device is advantageous over existing optical guidance: it does not obstruct the flow of a liquid in the inner side of the needle; the needle from the tip to the tail performs as a sensor.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOptical Fibers and Sensors for Medical Diagnostics and Treatment Applications XIX
EditorsIsrael Gannot, Israel Gannot
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510623866
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
EventOptical Fibers and Sensors for Medical Diagnostics and Treatment Applications XIX 2019 - San Francisco, United States
Duration: Feb 2 2019Feb 3 2019

Publication series

NameProgress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
Volume10872
ISSN (Print)1605-7422

Conference

ConferenceOptical Fibers and Sensors for Medical Diagnostics and Treatment Applications XIX 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period2/2/192/3/19

Keywords

  • Backscatter-ing reectometry
  • Epidural anesthesia
  • Epidural needle
  • Medical equipment
  • Optical fibers
  • Strain sensing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Biomaterials
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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