Removable Console Input Control for Steerable Medical Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current input control systems for steerable elongate medical devices, such as catheters, lack intuitive control mechanisms, particularly for minimally invasive medical procedures, as they often rely on finite travel input controls that are inadequate for precise manipulation and navigation within the human anatomy.
Innovation Solution
The development of an input control system with a console featuring removable input controls, sensors for motion detection, and an integrated display screen, allowing for continuous motion control and status monitoring, enabling precise control of insertion depth and steering with infinite travel input controls like scroll wheels and track balls, and providing ergonomic support for operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If finite travel input controls are used in the console, then the device structure is simple, but the precision and intuitiveness of controlling steerable medical devices is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional finite-travel mechanical input controls with infinite-travel input controls that provide continuous motion detection. This substitution enables more precise and intuitive control of steerable medical devices by allowing operators to make small, incremental adjustments without mechanical travel limits, thereby improving control precision while accepting increased system complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If input controls are fixed in the console, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of cleaning and sterilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the input control system into separable components: the console housing and removable input controls. This segmentation allows the input controls to be easily removed for cleaning and sterilization while maintaining a simple console structure. The removable design enables healthcare providers to access and clean the input controls without disassembling the entire console, thereby improving cleaning accessibility while preserving structural simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If continuous motion detection is implemented, then the control precision is improved, but the sensor system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous motion detection using sensors that provide real-time feedback on the position and movement of input controls. This feedback mechanism enables precise control by continuously monitoring operator input and translating it into corresponding movements of the medical device. The system accepts increased sensor complexity in exchange for significantly improved motion detection precision and control accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling an elongate device include a console. The console includes a first recess and a removable first input control for controlling motion of the medical device. The console also may include one or more first sensors located about the first recess that detect motion of the first input control and detect operator contact with the first input control. The console also may include an integrated display screen arranged to display status information for the medical device. In some embodiments, the first input control controls an insertion depth or steering of the medical device, and may be in the form of a scroll wheel forming a part of a removable control assembly.