Comparison of Auditory Display Methods for Real-time Catheter Navigation

During endovascular navigation, fiber-optic curvature sensors can help inform clinicians about the position of a catheter in a body. This helps reduce radiation exposure and limits the use of X-ray contrast agents compared to existing methods. We propose three auditory feedback methods to transmit the distance to the next vascular bifurcation and angle during navigation in the hopes of increasing usability of novel wire-guided catheter systems and reducing time spent viewing screens. The results of a user evaluation show that such methods can be used for screen-free guidance during a task involving correctly navigation paths and angles of rotation.