US 2006/0069311 A1 · Manually controlled endoscope

Abstract

A control handle for use with a steerable endoscopic device. The endoscopic device having a pair of control wires to effect steering. The control handle includes a steering mechanism that includes an actuator, such as a control knob, drivingly connected to a drive member, such as a sprocket or drive gear. To transmit force from the drive member to the control wires, a length of transmission structure, such as bead chain, is connected to the proximal ends of the control wires and is engaged with the drive member. In one embodiment, a single-use endoscope may be provided, which includes a control handle, a steerable endoscopic device, and a umbilical cord or communications conduit for functionally connecting the control handle to a control cabinet of an endoscopic imaging system.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A control device for use with a steerable medical device, comprising:

at least one pair of control wires for deflecting the distal end of the medical device;
a housing configured for receiving the pair of control wires;
transmission structure having first and second ends coupled to the ends of the pair of control wires;
a drive member carried by the housing for pulling the pair of wires, the drive member drivingly engaged to the transmission structure;
and
an actuator operably coupled to the drive member for effecting movement of the drive member;
wherein the transmission structure attains a first length in tension, and attains a second, smaller length in compression.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Manually controlled endoscope

Life of this patent

Manually controlled endoscope

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20