title: Novel MEMS stiffness sensor for in-vivo tissue characterization measurement.
abstract: This paper presents the design, mathematical model, fabrication and testing of a novel type of in-vivo stiffness sensor. The proposed sensor can measure both tissue stiffness and contact force. The sensing concept utilizes multiple membranes with varying stiffness and is particularly designed for integration with minimally invasive surgical (MIS) tools. In order to validate the new sensing concept, MEMS capacitive sensors are fabricated using surface micromachining with each fabricated sensor having a 1mm x 1mm active sensor area. Finally, the sensors are tested by touching polymers of different elastic stiffnesses. The results are promising and confirm the capability of the sensor for measuring both force and tissue compliance.
authors: Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN 55455, USA.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Peng
authors: A S
authors: AS
authors: Sezen
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Rajamani
authors: A G
authors: AG
authors: Erdman
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D025802:Electric Capacitance; D004867:Equipment Design; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D055617:Micro-Electrical-Mechanical Systems / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009928:Organ Specificity; D011108:Polymers
chemical_list: D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011108:Polymers