Measurement setup to evaluate haptic interaction in catheterization procedures for training purposes

Recanalization of chronic total occlusions (CTO) of coronary vessels is a catheter intervention with proven benefit for the patient. However, it incorporates a risk of penetrating the vessel as well as increasing patients exposure to radiation and contrast agent. The physicians expertise is a key to successful interventions. In this work, we present a system to assess haptic interaction of medical professionals in an CTO intervention. As a test scenario, a silicone model with comparable mechanic properties of a CTO, including fibrous caps and microchannels is used. A special guide wire with a diameter of 360 μιη and an integrated force sensor at the tip can measure intracorporal forces. Additionally, a torquer with an integrated single-axis force sensor is used to measure the forces executed by the cardiologist during the procedure. The guide wire motion is measured by two encoders (translational and rotatory) in order to assess motion-based quality criteria. A camera setup with software filtering is used to obtain an x-raylike image of the training scenario. Applied x-ray and contrast agent doses can be measured as well. The setup is intended to develop new training schemes based on interactions exerted by experts.