Handheld Catheter Control Interface for Single-Operator Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic catheter-based procedure systems face challenges in efficiently controlling the movement of elongated medical devices, particularly in navigating tortuous vasculature and requiring multiple operators for over-the-wire catheters, which increases complexity and reduces precision.
Innovation Solution
An input system is developed that includes a handheld device with dual controls allowing simultaneous axial and rotational movement of elongated medical devices, enabling precise control and reducing the need for multiple operators by integrating multiple control functions into a single, user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple operators are used to control elongated medical devices, then the complexity of control is reduced, but the precision and efficiency of the procedure deteriorates due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (axial movement, rotational movement, and device selection) into a single integrated control system. The control station includes a unified interface with multiple controls that can be operated by one operator, eliminating the need for multiple operators while maintaining precise coordination of all device movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control station is designed as a universal control system that can control multiple elongated medical devices simultaneously. The system includes controls that can be configured for different devices and procedures, allowing a single operator to manage complex multi-device procedures with one integrated interface rather than requiring separate control stations for each device.
2Productivity
If a single operator controls all movements, then procedural efficiency improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the number of controls required
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is segmented into distinct functional zones and control elements. Each control is designed to be manipulated by a specific body part (e.g., thumb, index finger, middle finger), dividing the control tasks into manageable segments that are naturally distributed across the operator's hand and fingers, reducing cognitive and physical load.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of controls on the handheld device, allowing controls to be positioned in different depths, angles, and orientations. This dimensional arrangement enables multiple controls to be accessed simultaneously from different directions by different fingers, effectively adding spatial dimensions to the control interface to accommodate multiple functions without increasing surface clutter.
3Measurement precision
If multiple controls are integrated into one interface, then precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different controls on the interface are optimized for specific functions based on their location and design. For example, certain controls are positioned and shaped for precise rotational control, while others are optimized for axial movement control. This local optimization allows each control to excel at its specific function, maintaining high precision without requiring all controls to be equally complex.
Data Source
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.