Patent ID: 6221023
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A sensor attached to a distal end of an intra-corporeal medical device for guiding the medical device by detecting forces applied thereto when the distal end contacts an intra-corporeal tissue, said sensor comprising:a chip deformable in accordance with the forces;a plurality of strain gauges located on said chip for issuing signals corresponding to said deformation of the chip, wherein said forces are detected in accordance with said signals;a force transmitter attached to the distal end of the device at a location more distal than said chip for transmitting said forces to said chip; anda cover that covers said chip, strain gauges and force transmitter and that gives a tapered shape to said distal end, wherein said chip comprises:a base located at said distal end of the device;a pole standing on said base; anda sensing plate attached to a distal end of said pole, wherein said strain gauges are provided on said sensing plate.