Robotic catheter system input device

Abstract

An input device (101) for a robotic medical system (10) includes a handle (102) configured to be rotatable about a center axis, and to be longitudinally displaceable along the center axis. The input device (101) also includes a deflection control element disposed on the handle (102), and configured to selectively control deflection of the distal end of a flexible medical instrument electrically coupled to the input device. Longitudinal displacement of the handle (102) may cause or result in a corresponding longitudinal motion of the flexible medical instrument. Rotation of the handle (102) may cause or result in a corresponding rotation of the deflection plane. Longitudinal displacement and rotation of the handle (102) may be detected or sensed electronically. The handle (102) can be easily replaced with a device that mimicks the performance of one or more novel, known or traditional handles.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.