Before I got involved with shape sensing, I spent years in electrophysiology, where knowing the location of a catheter inside the heart is fundamental to the procedure. So when I was first introduced to fiber optic shape sensing, my mind immediately went to navigation. Here was a technology that could provide the continuous 3D shape…
If you have spent time around robotics, surgical or otherwise, you have probably heard the phrase closed loop feedback control. It is one of those foundational engineering concepts that quietly powers everything from drones to industrial arms. But in medicine, closed loop control is still in its early innings, especially when it comes to flexible…
We’re excited to share that The Robot Report has selected The Shape Sensing Company for its Top 100 Startups of 2025 list, a cross-industry selection that spans healthcare, aerospace and defense, construction, supply chain, and advanced manufacturing. The list highlights young companies founded in 2020 or later that are either building novel robotic systems or…
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is steadily moving beyond diagnostics into the operating room. As healthcare looks for safer, more precise ways to guide interventions, MRI is emerging as a compelling alternative to traditional X-ray and CT. It delivers real-time, high-resolution images of soft tissue — without exposing patients or clinicians to ionizing radiation. But to…
Autonomy in surgery is no longer science fiction — it’s already beginning to take shape in labs and operating rooms around the world. While robotic assistance has become common in certain procedures, the next frontier is autonomous procedures, where robots can execute parts of a surgery with minimal human input. But there’s a catch: autonomy…
Artificial intelligence is already reshaping the operating room. From spotting anomalies in diagnostic imaging to optimizing robotic workflows, AI is steadily moving from decision support into real-time guidance. But when it comes to flexible surgical tools like catheters, scopes, and guidewires, AI hits a wall: there’s no continuous data stream to work from. That’s where…
Shape sensing is poised to transform how long, flexible medical devices—like catheters, guidewires, and endoscopes—are designed, navigated, and understood. Unlike fluoroscopy, electromagnetic (EM) tracking, or impedance-based navigation, shape sensing delivers continuous full-length, real-time 3D geometry without external sensors or disrupted workflow. In this blog series, we’ll unpack how this foundational data underpins AI-powered tools that…
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has transformed patient care, enabling less invasive, faster, and more precise procedures across vascular, endoscopic, and robotic domains. Yet many procedures still rely on tracking systems that were never designed to handle the complexity and flexibility of modern interventional tools. That’s where full-length shape sensing stands apart- offering a more comprehensive,…
In the evolving landscape of electrophysiology procedures, the quest for precision, safety, and efficiency has led to the adoption of various advanced technologies. Among these, 3D guidance systems stand out as pivotal tools that have significantly transformed how EP procedures are performed. Traditionally, electromagnetic navigation has been at the forefront of this revolution, offering radiation-free…
The Society of Robotic Surgery (SRS) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, was a convergence of the brightest minds to discuss the future of surgical robotics. According to news emerging from the conference and recent market share reports, Intuitive Surgical is dominating the market. Their continued success is largely attributed to their advanced technologies, including the…
We are thrilled to announce that The Shape Sensing Company (TSSC) has been selected to join the prestigious MedTech Innovator Accelerator 2024 cohort. This selection is a testament to our innovative technology, dedicated team, and our commitment to advancing medical technology. MedTech Innovator is the largest and most respected accelerator of medical technology companies in…
At The Shape Sensing Company, our mission to redefine interventional medicine is emboldened by the introduction of our Advisory Board. This team of esteemed professionals brings unparalleled expertise and leadership, setting the stage for groundbreaking advancements in our 3D guidance platform. Distinguished Contributions of Our Advisory Board Members: Dr. Dennis Gable, a luminary in vascular…
In an exciting development for healthcare innovation, The Shape Sensing Company, a trailblazer in the development of fiber optic shape sensing systems for medical devices, has proudly announced its new status as a resident company within the prestigious Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS ecosystem. This pivotal moment signifies a leap forward in the company’s…
We’re entering an exciting new chapter at The Shape Sensing Company, marked by enhanced innovation and strategic growth. With the recent appointment of Ryan DeBoer as our Chief Executive Officer, we are set to accelerate our efforts in transforming the landscape of medical technology. Ryan brings two decades of experience in medical technology to his…
In a major stride towards innovation, The Shape Sensing Company has been accepted into the highly coveted John Brumley Texas Venture Labs Spring 2024 accelerator cohort at the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business. In a recent social media update, the company expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “Thank you to @TXVentureLabs for selecting…
In the dynamic field of interventional procedures, the quest for reducing radiation exposure to healthcare professionals is steering innovation towards a radiation-free future. Non-fluoroscopic navigation techniques have emerged as the beacon of this transformative journey, offering alternatives that not only enhance precision but also prioritize the safety of physicians, nurses, and technicians. In this exploration,…
In the realm of medical diagnostics and interventions, the benefits of fluoroscopic visualization are undeniable. From diagnostic imaging to therapeutic procedures, the X-ray has become an indispensable tool. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and the use of X-ray in healthcare is not without its consequences. In this blog post, we will delve into…
The evolution of digital surgery may soon see a significant breakthrough with the introduction of fiber optic shape sensing. With the ability to track and quantitatively record the movement of interventional devices in vivo, this technology opens the door to new possibilities in real-time complication prevention, predictive analytics for future outcomes, and post-hoc case review….
Welcome back to the Shape Sensing Blog! Today, we delve into an exciting realm where precision meets healthcare: Fiber Optic Shape Sensing for Evaluating New Interventional Products. In this blog post, we’ll explore how this groundbreaking technology can enhance the evaluation of a wide array of medical devices, from wires and catheters to scopes, robotic…
Mid Atlantic Bio Angels (MABA), a NY-based life angel investor group, is pleased to announce that its nominee The Shape Sensing Company (TSSC) has received the prestigious 2023 Luis Villalobos Award in recognition of industry innovation by disruptive companies operating at the forefront of their respective fields, who have been recently financed by members of…
Thrombectomy is a medical procedure that involves the removal of a blood clot (thrombus) from a blood vessel. This procedure is often necessary to restore blood flow and prevent serious complications, such as stroke or organ damage. Traditionally, thrombectomy has been performed using open surgery, which involves making a large incision to access the affected…
Understanding how modern technology may improve medical diagnosis is essential in today’s era of rapid technological and medical advancement. Our 3D shape sensing technology can significantly impact the field of angiographic imaging to improve diagnosis and patient care. An angiographic imaging system comprises of a patient table with an X-ray tube and a detector hung…
As a part of the medical device community, our team is incredibly excited about some of the advancements currently being made in our field. Though we are a large part of many of these advancements, learning more about progress is a priority for us. No matter how intricate and precise our product becomes, we know…
Our work in the medical devices community has allowed us to see some of the extraordinary work that is helping our industry to advance. While we certainly work hands-on to develop new products and for the industry, it is important for us to understand our work through the eyes of the experts who use them….
Fully utilizing the technology at our fingertips is what will catapult the medical industry into the next decade. As we experience a time of rapid growth and medical advancement, it is important to understand how new innovations and technologies can help your company grow and improve. Our 3D shape sensing designs can have profound impacts…