Steerable Catheter Handle With Dual-Knob Wire Deflection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steerable catheter control mechanisms lack ease of use, precision, and are complex to manufacture, with limited control over deflection and excessive complexity in steering operations.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional control system with a rotatable control mechanism that uses a single slide assembly to tension two control wires, allowing precise deflection of a steerable catheter through a streamlined design, incorporating a rotatable knob and a slide assembly within a housing to translate linearly and independently manipulate each control wire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a slider mechanism is used to control two control wires, then the device can steer the catheter, but the mechanism becomes awkward to grasp and use with limited control precision
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is divided into two independent control knobs, each controlling one control wire separately. This segmentation allows each knob to be optimized for ease of operation while maintaining precise control over individual wires, resolving the contradiction between ease of use and steering precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism transitions from a single-slider linear control to a dual-knob rotational control system. By adding the dimensional aspect of rotation, the system achieves more intuitive and precise control over the two control wires, improving both ease of operation and steering precision simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bi-directional steerable control handle with adjustment knob and sliding members is used, then deflection control is provided, but the device becomes complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of two control wires into a single integrated housing structure with two knobs. This merging approach maintains bi-directional control capability while simplifying the overall structure, making the device easier to manufacture compared to separate control mechanisms for each wire.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it houses both control knobs, provides structural support, and enables bi-directional control. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If a thumb control mechanism is used, then the device is easy to grasp, but it lacks precision for minute manipulations
Solution Approach 1:
The single thumb control is segmented into two separate knobs, each capable of being grasped and rotated independently. This segmentation maintains the ease of grasping while providing the precision needed for minute manipulations of each control wire separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism changes from linear thumb movement to rotational knob movement. This parameter change from linear to rotational motion provides finer resolution and more precise control while maintaining ease of operation through natural hand rotation.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and systems are disclosed that incorporate a steerable catheter control handle for bi-directional control of a steerable catheter. The steerable catheter control handle includes a slide assembly positioned within the inner housing and operable to translate linearly therein. The control handle further includes a proximal portion of at least two control wires being positioned through the slide assembly wherein one of the at least two control wires is indirectly coupled to the slide assembly via a direction reversing element. The steerable catheter control handle has a control knob rotatably coupled to the housing for linearly translating the slide assembly, thereby enabling the slide assembly to manipulate each of the at least two control wires, effecting a change in deflection of said catheter. The slide assembly further comprises a slide limiting mechanism to restrict linear translation of the slide assembly.