Robotic catheter system input device

An input device for a robotic medical system including a medical instrument with a distal end, the input device comprising the following:

• a handle configured to be rotatable about an axis and to be longitudinally displaceable along the axis;
• a first sensor configured to detect axial rotation of the handle;
• a second sensor configured to detect longitudinal displacement of the handle along the axis;
• a deflection control element disposed on or about the handle and configured to selectively control deflection of said distal end of said medical instrument within a deflection plane;
• and
• an electronic control system electrically coupled to the first sensor, the second sensor, and the deflection control element, the electronic control system configured to send control signals to the medical instrument,
• wherein longitudinal displacement of the handle results in a corresponding longitudinal motion of said medical instrument and rotation of the handle results in a corresponding rotation of the deflection plane.