Control mechanism and system and method for steering distal extremity of a flexible elongate member

摘要

A device compressing a flexible elongate member having proximal and distal extremities and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart elements having a characteristic disposed in the distal extremity. A control mechanism is secured to the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate member. The control mechanism has a housing adapted to be grasped by a human hand. A first control member is slidably mounted in the housing. A second control member is rotatably mounted in the housing. The first and second control members are accessible to the fingers of the human hand grasping the housing. Electrical circuitry couples the first and second control members to the elements whereby when the first and second control members are moved, the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member is moved in accordance with the positioning of the first and second control members.