Interface for actuating a robotic manipulator from a remote position for manoeuvring steerable catheters in the human cardiovascular system

摘要

Interface for actuating a robotic manipulator (B) from a remote position for manoeuvring steerable catheters (C) in the human cardiovascular system, comprising a casing (1) with controls which are actuated by an operator in order to remotely control said manipulator, characterized in that these controls comprise a shaft (102) with a hand grip (2) which can be grasped by one of the operator's hands as though he were grasping the handle (D) of said catheter, the hand grip being designed to be subjected to small axial movements in both directions (X) and/or to small rotary movements in both directions (Y), and sensors being provided to detect said movements and to operate the corresponding actuators of the robotic manipulator which are responsible for the catheter's axial movement in both directions and/or for its rotation in both directions, the whole arrangement being such that the operator can control the catheter by means of said hand grip (2) as if he were grasping it directly by the end handle (D), with the resulting benefits in terms of convenience, user-friendliness and ease of use.