Self-locking handle for steering a single or multiple-profile catheter
US6652506B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M25/0136
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A catheter handle includes a steering controller with a self-locking mechanism to be used in conjunction with a steerable catheter shaft. A compression spring portion of the self-locking mechanism is located between the steering controller and a handle shell and causes alternating protrusions and recesses on the steering controller and on the handle shell to engage, thus locking the steering controller into a fixed position with the handle shell. Through a single-handed operation, an operator enables steering controller rotation by applying a force to the steering controller, which disengages the steering controller from the handle shell. The operator then adjusts the profile of a distal-end region of the catheter by rotating the steering controller. When the desired profile of the distal-end region of the catheter has been obtained, the operator removes the force from the steering controller and the spring decompresses to reengage the steering controller with the handle shell.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.