Towards a tri-axial flexible force sensor for catheter contact force measurement

This paper presents the development of a flexible force sensor that can be integrated on a catheter and provide catheter contact force to ensure sufficient power delivery during during RF ablation for atrial fibrillation treatment. The flexible force sensor consists of a strain gauge (PEDOT:PSS) incorporated on a polymer substrate (PDMS) and was fabricated using existing microfabrication technologies. Characterization experiments showed linear responses when compressive force was applied to the fabricated sensor. A catheter integrated with this sensor was actuated to press against phantom tissue and the results showed that the flexible force sensor precisely measured the contact force.