An Integrated Platform for Full-Length Device Awareness
The Shape Sensing Platform provides continuous, real-time shape data for minimally invasive medical devices.
Embedded shape sensing enables continuous device awareness, intelligent procedural guidance, and real-time feedback for robotic control.
Designed to integrate directly into partner medical devices and clinical systems, the platform combines embeddable sensors, system-level hardware, and software interfaces.
Platform Architecture
The Shape Sensing Platform is delivered as three tightly integrated layers designed for direct integration into partner devices and systems.
Sensors
Systems
Software
Embeddable Fiber Optic Sensors
Embedded shape sensing provides continuous, full-length measurement of device shape from inside the device.
- Measures the entire device, not just the tip
- Tracks shape dynamically as devices bend and navigate anatomy
- No reliance on external tracking or intermittent imaging
System Level Hardware
System-level hardware converts raw fiber optic signals into real-time shape data, providing a reliable foundation for clinical use and product integration.
- Interfaces directly with embedded shape sensing fibers
- Performs high-speed interrogation and shape reconstruction
- Designed for integration into partner clinical systems and workflows
Software and Data Outputs
Software interfaces deliver shape data into partner systems, enabling real-time visualization, guidance, and data integration.
- Provides real-time access to full-length shape data
- Designed to integrate with existing visualization, navigation, and control systems
- Supports low-latency data streaming for guidance, robotic feedback control, and intelligent procedural workflows
Designed for Seamless Integration
The Shape Sensing Platform integrates directly into existing medical device architectures and is built to support partner-led device design, development, and clinical workflows.
High-level integration approach:
- Fiber optic sensors are embedded directly into the partner’s device during design
- System-level hardware integrates with existing clinical or capital equipment
- Software interfaces connect shape data into partner visualization, navigation, or control systems
Roles and responsibilities:
- Partners lead device design, clinical workflow, regulatory strategy, and commercialization
- TSSC provides the shape sensing platform, integration guidance, and technical support throughout development
What Full-Length Shape Data Enables
By continuously measuring device shape from inside the device, the platform enables capabilities that are not possible with intermittent imaging or point-based tracking.
Enabled Capabilities:
- Radiation-free, continuous device awareness
- Full-length tracking of long, flexible instruments as they bend, twist, and navigate anatomy
- Real-time shape data for advanced guidance and navigation systems
- A persistent device-state data stream that supports analytics, closed-loop control, and future autonomy
These capabilities form the data foundation for next-generation intelligent and automated procedural systems.
Built for Strategic Partnership
TSSC partners with medical device companies to embed shape sensing as a core capability within their products and platforms. Engagements are structured to support co-development, long-term platform alignment, and scalable commercialization.
Whether integrating shape sensing into a single device or building toward a broader procedural platform, partnerships are designed for technical collaboration and long-term value creation.