Importance

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Abstract

An optical pullback sensor assembly is disclosed that facilitates measuring displacement of a flexible elongate member, such as an ultrasound catheter probe that is inserted within a body. The disclosed embodiments of the optical pullback sensor assembly include a light source that illuminates a target surface that reflects at least a portion of light received from the light source. An optical sensor array including a set of sensor cells is arranged opposite the target surface to receive light reflected by the target surface. The optical sensor array is oriented to render image frames that are utilized to determine displacement of the flexible elongate member. A tracking guide on the pullback sensor assembly confines relative movement between the target surface and the optical sensor array in a direction of measured displacement of the optical sensor array. The measured displacement of the target surface in relation to the optical sensor represents displacement of the flexible elongate member.

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First Claim