Apparatus and method for using a steerable catheter device

Abstract

A handle includes a body portion and a handle portion which is slidably and rotatably mounted on the body portion. Shoulders on the body portion and the handle portion limit relative sliding movement of the body portion and handle portion. A catheter open at both ends has one end fixed to the handle portion for movement therewith, the opposite end of the catheter having a shape memory tip. A fitting is threadedly connected to an enlarged part of the body portion. A sheath is threadedly connected to the fitting and the catheter is slidable and rotatable within the sheath. An annular channel is provided between the sheath and the catheter, this channel being in fluid communication with a bore in the fitting. The outer end of the sheath has holes therethrough in fluid communication with the channel. An irrigation inflow and aspiration outflow tube is also in fluid communication with the bore in the fitting. A first lock is provided adjacent the fitting for controlling the amount of frictional resistance to lengthwise movement of the catheter relative to the sheath and to lock the catheter in position. A medical device such as an endoscope may be received within the catheter for movement relative thereto. A second lock is supported by the handle portion for locking a medical device in position relative to the catheter.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 732,869, filed on Dec. 10, 2003, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 462,182, filed on Jun. 16, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,873, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09 / 665,328, filed Sep. 19, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,279, which claims the benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 156,051, filed Sep. 24, 1999, the entirety of all these applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a steerable catheter device, and more particularly to a device useful in minimally invasive surgery, urology, gynecology and hysteroscopy or the like. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] One of the problems associated with procedures such as minimally invasive surgery is the lack of inexpensive small diameter instruments that can be steered into desired locations...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] In accordance with this need, the present invention is of lightweight inexpensively constructed steerable catheter device including a handle means which can be held like a pencil. The handle means provides greater sensitivity and tactile feel to the user than is possible with present day devices of this type. Greater sensitivity is provided by the reduction in weight on the handle. Alternatively, the handle means can be shaped as a pistol grip. When shaped as a pistol grip, the probe is constructed so that activation of the handle causes the motion of the probe to be advanced.

[0009] In either configuration the activation portion of the steerable catheter can be designed as a reusable piece, since the activation portion is more robust. In this case, the small diameter catheter would be disposable, and provide much simpler delivery to the patient. Reusing portions of the steerable catheter would also lower costs because less material is disposed of with each use.

Problems solved by technology

One of the problems associated with procedures such as minimally invasive surgery is the lack of inexpensive small diameter instruments that can be steered into desired locations in the body of a patient.

However, most of the steerable instruments presently available are complex and heavy.

These instruments are generally limited to diameters of 3.6 mm or larger and require complex constructions to accomplish the desired results.

At the present time there is no flexible instrument available which enables the instrument to be readily steered within the human body with a minimum of discomfort to the patient while at the same time being small, inexpensive and simple in construction.

This poses a problem because there have been numerous cases of incomplete sterilization of steerable instruments.

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