Endoscopic Steering Handle Ergonomics for Reduced Hand Fatigue

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Solution Overview

Problem

Steering handles for flexible catheters cause hand fatigue in operators due to the need to hold the handle in a fixed position for extended periods during procedures.

Innovation Solution

Ergonomically designed catheter steering handles with a housing that conforms to the palm of the hand, allowing the operator to release or partially release the grip, featuring a thumb lever and a catch that enables the handle to hang from a phalange, reducing fatigue by enabling a natural, low-stress posture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the steering handle is designed with a fixed grip structure, then the operator can maintain control over the catheter, but the operator experiences hand fatigue from holding the handle in a fixed position for extended periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol stabilityVSAvoidoperator comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The steering handle incorporates a dynamic release mechanism that allows the operator to transition from a gripped state to a released state. The spring-loaded trigger and cam mechanism enable the handle to dynamically adjust between being held firmly and being released, allowing hand relaxation while maintaining control when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control function is segmented into two distinct states: a gripped state for active control and a released state for relaxation. The trigger mechanism divides the continuous control into discrete positional states, allowing the operator to segment the control effort and reduce cumulative hand strain during prolonged procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the handle geometry is conventional, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the handle does not conform to the natural posture of the hand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidergonomic conformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle geometry incorporates locally optimized features including a contoured grip surface that matches the palm curvature, a positioned thumb lever for natural thumb placement, and a shaped release trigger that fits the index finger. These localized ergonomic features are integrated into an otherwise conventional handle structure, balancing manufacturability with hand conformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If the operator must continuously grip the handle, then the control precision is maintained, but the hand cannot relax or flex to reduce fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcontinuous gripping duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control mechanism enables periodic alternating between gripping and releasing states. The operator can rhythmically engage and disengage the trigger mechanism, creating periodic control cycles that allow the hand to flex and relax between intervals while maintaining the ability to precisely control the catheter when gripping is engaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20260041882A1Endoscopic Steering Handle with Three or More Input Ports

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 IPG PHOTONICS CORP

AI summary

Catheter steering handles that are ergonomically designed to enable an operator to reduce hand fatigue. Various ergonomic aspects of the disclosed steering handles include geometries that more naturally conform to the palm of the hand and that enable the hand to be held in a natural, low stress posture during operation of the steering handle. In another aspect of the disclosure, the catheter steering handle is configured so that the operator can connect irrigation, aspiration and working fibers to the catheter through ports on the handle.