FLEX CIRCUIT WITH LONGITUDINALLY-SPACED POSITION SENSORS FOR STEERABLE MEDICAL INSTRUMENT

Abstract: an apparatus includes a shaft assembly having a proximal portion and a distal portion. the distal portion is configured to enable lateral deflection of the distal end relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the proximal portion. a distal navigation sensor positioned at or near the distal end of the distal portion is configured to indicate a position of the distal end of the flexible distal portion in three-dimensional space. a pair of proximal navigation sensors positioned at or near a proximal end of the flexible distal portion are configured to indicate a roll orientation of the proximal end of the flexible distal portion about the longitudinal axis.

IPC:

CPC: A61B5/062,