Multi-direction steerable handles
AssigneeEdwards Lifesciences Corporation
InventorsBao Khuu, Matthew T. Winston, Asher L. Metchik, Eric Robert Dixon
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed herein are catheter control handles that include various mechanisms for controlling the circumferential angle and radial magnitude of flexion of an attached catheter. Control handles can comprise a housing. Control wires extend from a distal end of the housing and into a steerable transluminal device. A flex control member is operable to control tension on the pull wires to adjust a magnitude of radial flexion of the steerable transluminal device. A position control member is operable to control tension on the pull wires to adjust a circumferential angle in which the radial flexion of the steerable transluminal device is directed.
Claims13
A control handle for a steerable transluminal device, the control handle comprising:
- a housing defining a longitudinal axis extending in distal and proximal directions;
- pull wires that extend from a distal end of the housing and into the steerable transluminal device and that extend along an axial length of the steerable transluminal device and that are operable to effect flexion of the steerable transluminal device;
- a flex control member operable to control tension on the pull wires to adjust a magnitude of radial flexion of the steerable transluminal device;
- a position control member operable to control tension on the pull wires to adjust a circumferential angle in which the radial flexion of the steerable transluminal device is directed;
- a cam member that is movable axially relative to the housing and also movable rotationally about the longitudinal axis relative to the housing;
- at least one follower engaged with the cam member such that the at least one follower moves relative to the control handle in response to movement of the cam member relative to the housing;
- wherein the pull wires are coupled to the at least one follower;
- wherein rotation of the flex control member causes axial adjustment of the cam member;
- and
- wherein the position control member is fixed relative to the cam member and rotation of the position control member causes rotational adjustment of the cam member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.