Mr-compatible biopsy needle with enhanced tip force sensing

We describe an instrumented biopsy needle that provides physicians the capability to sense interaction forces directly at the tip of the needle´s inner stylet. The sensors consist of optical fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), and are unaffected by electromagnetic fields; hence the needle is suitable for MR-guided procedures. In comparison to previous instrumented needles that measure bending strains, the new design has additional sensors and a series of micro-machined holes at the tip. The holes increase strain sensitivity to axial forces, without significantly reducing the stiffness or strength. Axial loads of 10 mN can be detected with flat response from 0-200 Hz. A comparison of the dynamic forces measured with the needle´s sensors and those obtained using an external force/torque sensor at the base shows that the enhanced tip sensitivity is particularly noticeable when there is significant friction along the needle sheath.