Systems and methods of steerable elongate device

US11116586B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC. · US

Inventors

• David W. Bailey · Menlo Park, US
• Federico Barbagli · San Francisco, US
• Reuben Brewer · Millbrae, US
• Christopher R. Carlson · Menlo Park, US
• Vincent Duindam · Oakland, US
• Tania K. Morimoto · Redwood City, US
• Michael D. Paris · San Francisco, US
• Oliver J. Wagner · Mountain View, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 28, 2017
• Grant date: Sep 14, 2021
• Expiry date: Jun 3, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06F2203/0339
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Systems and methods for controlling an elongate device include an input control console. The console includes a first input control having an infinite length of travel in a first direction, a second input control having an infinite length of travel in more than one direction, one or more transceivers for coupling the console to a control unit for the elongate device, and interface circuits for coupling the first input control and the second input control to the one or more transceivers. The first input control provides a first command suitable for controlling an insertion depth of the elongate device. The second input control provides second commands suitable for controlling steering of a distal end of the elongate device. In some embodiments, the console includes raised rings or bezels within which the input controls are mounted. In some embodiments, pockets of a drape are anchored to the raised rings or bezels.