ABSTRACT
During catheterization navigation within the patient is mainly dependent on a live x-ray image on the screen. Although methods for 3D visualisation and remote navigation of the catheter are discussed and tested still precise positioning is merely the result of intense training and a high skill and level of training of the performing surgeon. This article refers to a system which can be considered as an add-on for existing procedures of catheterization. It compromises of a miniaturised force sensor located at the tip of guide-wires whose prototype is shown here. The measured forces will be presented to the surgeon amplified by an external actuator described in this article. As a result a haptic perception of the forces between the tip of the guide-wire and the vessels walls will be available and enable the surgeon to gain an impression which is comparable to palpation of living vessels from the inside
Subject(s)
Catheterization/instrumentation , Catheterization/methods , Computer-Aided Design , Surgery, Computer-Assisted/instrumentation , Touch/physiology , Transducers , User-Computer Interface , Equipment Design , Equipment Failure Analysis , Feedback , Humans , Pilot Projects , Stress, Mechanical , Surgery, Computer-Assisted/methodsABSTRACT
A total of 527 astigmatic patients were examined for their axial distribution. The values taken for all eyes together confirmed the preponderance of "+" cylinder at an axis of 90 degrees. However, only a small percentage of patients demonstrated a 90 degree axis for each eye separately. Mirroring and parallel axes were more common and an asymmetric axial distribution was found most frequently. The influence of lid pressure on the development of astigmatism thus seems, according to our findings, unlikely. Genetic factors are more probable.
