Steering mechanism

摘要

A steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a elongate housing and an actuation system. The elongate housing is adapted to be coupled to the steerable portion of the medical device. The actuation system includes an actuator, a first cam, and a second cam. The actuator can move the first cam between a first position and a second position as the actuator is moved along a first axis (or about a second axis different than the first axis). Movement of the first cam between its first and second positions moves the steerable portion of the medical device along a first plane. The actuator can move the second cam between a first position and a second position as the actuator is moved along the second axis (or about the first axis). Movement of the second cam between its first and second positions moves the steerable portion of the medical device along a second plane different than the first plane.

主权项

1. A steering mechanism for use as part of a medical device, the mechanism comprising:
an actuation system configured to control movement of a steerable member of the medical device, the actuation system including an actuator, at least one cantilever axle, a first cam, and a second cam, wherein: the at least one cantilever axle extends into an opening of the first cam and an opening of the second cam; the actuator is adapted to move about a first axis from a first position to a second position to move the first cam about the first axis; the first cam is adapted to move the steerable member along a first plane when the actuator is moved from the first position to the second position; the actuator is adapted to move about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis from a third position to a fourth position; the second cam is adapted to move the steerable member along a second plane when the actuator is moved from the third position to the fourth position; and the first cam and the second cam are adapted to rotate on the at least one cantilever axle about the first axis.