Handheld Catheter Control for Simultaneous Axial and Rotational Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic catheter-based procedure systems lack an efficient and intuitive input system for controlling the axial and rotational movement of elongated medical devices, particularly in scenarios requiring simultaneous control of multiple devices.

Innovation Solution

A handheld input system with a body, a first control, and a second control, allowing simultaneous manipulation by a user's digits to instruct the robotic drive to axially move and rotate elongated medical devices, with a third control ensuring that instructions are only executed when manipulated by the user.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a robotic catheter-based procedure system is used to control elongated medical devices, then the precision and automation of procedural control is improved, but the complexity of the input system and difficulty of simultaneous multi-device control increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidinput system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control functions (axial movement control, rotational movement control, and device selection) into a single integrated input device with multiple controls that can be manipulated simultaneously by one operator, thereby reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining precise control of multiple devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The input device is designed with multiple controls that can be configured to perform different functions (axial control, rotational control, device selection) depending on the operational mode, allowing a single device to handle various control tasks that would otherwise require separate specialized controls

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple elongated medical devices are controlled simultaneously, then the efficiency and capability of complex interventions is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to the difficulty of coordinating multiple devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocedural efficiencyVSAvoidoperational ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges control of multiple devices into a unified input system where an operator can manipulate multiple controls simultaneously with different hands or digits, enabling coordinated control of multiple elongated medical devices without requiring separate control stations or complex switching mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The input system is designed to dynamically switch between different operational modes (first mode for controlling first device, second mode for controlling second device) based on operator input, allowing flexible adaptation to different procedural requirements while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If the input system provides continuous control capability, then the speed and responsiveness of device manipulation is improved, but the risk of unintended movements and loss of control increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidcontrol safety
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic or discrete control updates where the robotic drive system receives and executes control instructions at specific intervals or triggered events, allowing the system to maintain responsiveness while providing opportunities to verify and confirm control actions, thereby reducing the risk of unintended continuous movements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about device position and status to the operator, enabling the operator to monitor and adjust control inputs appropriately, thus maintaining fast response capability while ensuring control safety through continuous system state verification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3983042B1Systems for a control station for robotic interventional procedures using a plurality of elongated medical devices
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS ENDOVASCULAR ROBOTICS INC
  • EP3983042B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3983042B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3983042B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system for controlling a catheter-based procedure system that includes a robotic drive configured to control rotational motion and axial motion of one or more elongated medical devices may include a body, a first control coupled to the body, and a second control coupled to the body. First control is configured to instruct the robotic drive to axially move one of the one or more elongated medical devices in response to manipulation of the first control by a user, and the second control is configured to instruct the robotic drive to rotate one of the one or more elongated medical devices in response to manipulation of the second control by the user, wherein the first control and the second control are positioned on the body so the first control and the second control can be simultaneously manipulated by a first digit and a second digit on a hand of the user.