Medical device control system

摘要

A control system for allowing a physician to control the orientation of a medical device or a medical instrument in a variety of directions with one hand. An actuator selectively tensions one or more control cables having ends secured at or adjacent a distal tip of the medical device in order to bend the distal tip in a desired direction. In one embodiment, a physician can adjust the movement of the distal tip in a desired direction without affecting the orientation of the medical device in other directions.

主权项

1. A control for orienting a medical device having elongate control members operably associated with a distal tip of the medical device, the control comprising:
a single actuator configured to direct movement of the distal tip of the medical device in at least two directions via rotational movement of the single actuator about a first axis and a second axis; an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, the elongate body moveably coupled to the single actuator via a shaft and configured to permit rotational movement of the single actuator relative to the body about the first axis and the second axis, wherein a longitudinal axis of the shaft defines the first axis or the second axis; wherein rotation of the single actuator about the first axis tensions a first elongate control member to direct the distal tip of the medical device up or down, wherein rotation of the single actuator about the second axis tensions a second elongate control member independent of tensioning the first elongate control member to direct the distal tip of the medical device left or right, and wherein a proximal end of the first elongate control member or the second elongate control member is attached to the single actuator; and a rail having an elongate member, wherein the elongate member has a longitudinal axis fixedly positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body and, simultaneously, the rail is moveably coupled to the single actuator to permit movement of the single actuator relative to the elongate member to direct corresponding movement of the distal tip of the medical device.