US20110196346A1 - Articulating handle for a deflectable catheter and method therefor - Google Patents
Articulating handle for a deflectable catheter and method therefor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110196346A1 US20110196346A1 US13/091,187 US201113091187A US2011196346A1 US 20110196346 A1 US20110196346 A1 US 20110196346A1 US 201113091187 A US201113091187 A US 201113091187A US 2011196346 A1 US2011196346 A1 US 2011196346A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pull wire
- actuator member
- assembly
- catheter
- lever
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
- A61M25/01—Introducing, guiding, advancing, emplacing or holding catheters
- A61M25/0105—Steering means as part of the catheter or advancing means; Markers for positioning
- A61M25/0133—Tip steering devices
- A61M25/0136—Handles therefor
Definitions
- the handle housing 152 includes a projection 149 extending from an internal portion of the housing 152 .
- the projection 149 obstructs the path of the pull wire 120 when the pull wire 120 and/or anchor 123 are moved relative to the projection 149 .
- the actuator member 174 is moved from a first position to a second position, and the anchor 123 is moved therewith.
- the anchor movement moves the pull wire 120 and extends it over the projection 149 , increasing the amount of pull wire 120 disposed within the handle housing 152 , and decreasing the amount of pull wire 120 in the catheter body. This causes tension in the pull wire 120 and causes the distal end of the catheter body to deflect.
Abstract
A catheter assembly includes a handle assembly, and a catheter body coupled with the handle assembly, where the catheter body extends to a deflectable distal end portion, and the deflectable distal end is controllable by a flexible element. A lever actuator member is operatively coupled with the flexible element, and movement of the actuator member provides for movement of the flexible element.
Description
- This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/127,818, entitled “ARTICULATING HANDLE FOR A DEFLECTABLE CATHETER AND METHOD THEREFOR,” filed on May 12, 2005 (Attorney Docket No. 905.061US1), which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- The present document relates generally to deflectable catheter assemblies. More particularly, it pertains to an articulating handle assembly for a deflectable catheter.
- Increase in the use of stents, leads, and ablation techniques in branch vessels has provided an increased demand in the placement techniques for the devices. For some procedures, it is necessary to initially position a guidewire into a desired part of the lumen of a desired vessel or duct, such as a blood vessel. After the guidewire is positioned within the desired location, a catheter or other tubular device may be positioned over the guidewire and used to convey other medical instruments into the desired blood vessel or duct.
- Alternatively, a guiding catheter is used to negotiate the vasculature of a patient. One example of a guiding catheter is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,577 to Badger et al. The Badger guiding catheter includes a single elongate shaft that has a deflectable distal portion controllable by a pull wire. Once the distal portion is at the required deflection or location within the patient, the medical instrument is fed through the catheter.
- The deflectable catheter is controlled at a proximal end of the catheter by a control handle that operates the pull wire to deflect the catheter, for example, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,277. However, with conventional catheter steering mechanisms, it is sometimes difficult to accurately position the catheters in certain body vessels, such as branch veins. For instance, the mechanisms are awkward or require the use of two hands. Other steering mechanisms require pull wires to be wound and unwound around a rotatable cam wheel, causing increased fatigue on the pull wires, and potentially shortening the life of the device. Furthermore, some deflectable catheters involve relatively large catheter sheaths. The larger sheaths can be difficult to manipulate within a patient, particularly when using a relatively small wheel mechanism or the above-discussed handle assemblies.
- What is needed is a deflectable catheter that overcomes the shortcomings of previous deflectable catheters. What is further needed is a deflectable catheter that allows for more ease positioning of the distal end of the deflectable catheter, and that is usable with a single hand.
- A catheter assembly includes a handle assembly, and a catheter body coupled with the handle assembly, where the catheter body extends to a deflectable distal end portion, and the deflectable distal end portion is controllable by a flexible element. The catheter assembly further includes a lever actuator member operatively coupled with the flexible element, where the lever actuator member has a first lever position and a second lever position, and movement of the lever actuator member provides for movement of the flexible element and the deflectable distal end portion. The lever actuator has several options. For example, the lever actuator member can be disposed along a first surface of the handle assembly, where the lever actuator member is deflectable toward a second surface when moving from the first position to the second position, where the first surface is opposite the second surface. In another option, the lever actuator member is movable within a first plane, and the deflectable distal end portion is movable within a second plane, and the first plane is substantially non-parallel with the second plane. Several other options are further discussed below.
- A method includes manipulating a catheter assembly, the catheter assembly including a handle assembly, a catheter body coupled with the handle assembly, the catheter body extending to a deflectable distal end portion, the deflectable distal end portion controllable by a flexible element and a lever actuator member mechanically associated with the flexible element, and movement of the lever actuator member provides for movement of the flexible element. The method further includes moving the lever actuator member from a first actuator position to a second actuator position including moving the lever actuator member from a position along a first surface of the handle assembly toward a second opposite surface of the handle assembly, moving the lever actuator member from the first actuator position deflects the distal end portion of the catheter body.
- These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description of the invention and referenced drawings or by practice of the invention. The aspects, advantages, and features of the invention are realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities, procedures, and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims and their equivalents.
-
FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a catheter assembly as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment. -
FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of a catheter assembly as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment. -
FIG. 1C illustrates a perspective view of a catheter assembly as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevational view of a catheter assembly as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevational view of a catheter assembly as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevational view of a catheter assembly as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevational view of a catheter assembly as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevational view of a catheter assembly as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment. -
FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a portion of catheter assembly as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment. -
FIG. 7B illustrates a side elevational view of a portion of a catheter assembly as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment. -
FIG. 7C illustrates a side elevational view of a portion of a catheter assembly as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a catheter assembly as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a catheter assembly as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a cut-away view of a portion of a catheter assembly as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment. -
FIG. 11 illustrates a view of a portion of a catheter assembly as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment. - In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
- A deflectable catheter assembly is disclosed herein and includes a handle assembly, and a catheter body coupled with the handle assembly, where the catheter body extends to a deflectable distal end portion, and the deflectable distal end portion is controllable by a flexible element. The catheter assembly further includes a lever actuator member operatively coupled with the flexible element, where the lever actuator member has a first lever position and a second lever position, and movement of the lever actuator member provides for movement of the flexible element and the deflectable distal end portion. The catheter assembly will be described in more detail along with the illustrations.
-
FIGS. 1A , 1B, and 1C illustrate adeflectable catheter assembly 100, whereFIGS. 1A and 1C illustrate thedeflectable catheter assembly 100 in an articulated position, andFIG. 1B illustrates thedeflectable catheter assembly 100 in an unarticulated position. Thedeflectable catheter assembly 100 includes adeflectable catheter body 110 and ahandle assembly 150 that houses steering mechanisms for deflection of thecatheter body 110. Thehandle assembly 150, as described in greater detail below, allows for the deflection of a distal end of thecatheter body 110. In one option, the pull wire 120 (FIG. 7A ) is operably connected to a lever actuator assembly that is, for example, rotated about a fulcrum to apply tension to the pull wire 120 (FIG. 7A ). As tension is applied to the pull wire 120 (FIG. 7A ), the pull wire anchor at the distal end of thecatheter body 110 is pulled which causes the distal portion of thecatheter body 110 to curve in a predetermined direction or directions. - The
catheter body 110 comprises, in one option, an elongate tubular construction that is flexible yet substantially non-compressible along its length. Thedeflectable catheter body 110 extends from aproximal end portion 102 to adistal end portion 104, where thedistal end portion 104 is disposed within a patient. At thedistal end 104 is adistal tip 105. At theproximal end 102, the physician controls the deflection of thedeflectable catheter body 110 with thehandle assembly 150 and a pull wire 120 (FIG. 7A ), as further described below. Thedistal end 104 is deflected to traverse various branch vessels with thecatheter assembly 100. - The
catheter body 110 includes a pull wire anchor that is secured to, for example, a distal portion of thecatheter body 110. Thepull wire 120 is mechanically secured to the pull wire anchor, for example, by welding thepull wire 120 to the pull wire anchor. It should be noted that the pull wire can be secured to thedistal end 104 of thecatheter body 110 in other manners. In one option, thecatheter body 110 includes a stiffening member embedded therein, such as a braided stainless steel member. The stiffening member facilitates rotation of thedistal end 104 from theproximal end 102, and also assists in preventing thecatheter body 110 from collapsing. - The
deflectable catheter body 110 includes adeflectable end portion 104 that is deflectable, for example, from a first position, as illustrated inFIG. 1A , to a second position, as illustrated inFIG. 1B . In another option, the second position can be as illustrated inFIG. 1C . In at least one option, the deflection of thecatheter body 110 occurs within a first plane. However, it should be noted that the entire device can be rotated within the patient during use, for example, while deflecting the distal end, to access the varying and tortuous vasculature. - Several examples of the
handle assembly 150 are shown inFIGS. 2-8 . Thehandle assembly 150 extends from a handle distal end to a handle proximal end, and includes a handle assembly longitudinal axis. Thehandle assembly 150 includes ahandle housing 152 that is designed to easily and comfortably fit into a practitioners hand, and to be easily manipulated with single handed use. In one option, thehandle housing 152 are formed of a first portion and a second portion that are coupled together, for example, by one or more threaded fasteners. Other devices and/or methods for coupling the first and second portions of thehandle housing 152 are suitable as well, such as, but not limited to, adhesive, welding, snap-fit, etc. - The
handle housing 152 includes ahandle lumen 158 therein. Thehandle lumen 158 is co-operatively aligned or connected with the delivery lumen of the catheter body 110 (FIG. 7A ), and the handle lumen 158 (FIG. 7A ) extends from a first end to a second end of the housing. The first end of thehandle lumen 158, in one option, is disposed proximal to the distal end of the housing, and the second end of thehandle lumen 158, is optionally disposed at the second end of the housing. - The
housing 152 and delivery lumen are adapted to receive a medical instrument, such as, but not limited to, a guidewire, a lead, an ablating device, etc., through the second end of thehousing 152. In one option, a valve 130 (FIG. 8 ) is coupled with the delivery lumen of the catheter body 110 (FIG. 7A ). Thevalve 130 provides further prevention of inadvertent fluid leakage from the delivery lumen. In another option, a fitting such as a luer fitting is provided on or near thehousing 152. In yet another option, aside port 132 is coupled with thevalve 130, which allows for thevalve 130 to be flushed with fluids. Theside port 132 is disposed through a portion of thehandle assembly 150, for example, through an opening 134, allowing access to theside port 132 by a physician or medical technician. It should be noted that thevalve 130, the luer fitting, and/or theside port 132 can be combined with any of the above or below discussed embodiments. - The
handle assembly 150 includes therein theactuator assembly 170 that is operatively coupled with and moves the pull wire 120 (FIG. 7A ). Referring toFIG. 7A , theactuator assembly 170 includes anactuator 172 disposed through aslot 173 in afirst surface 180 of thehandle housing 152. Theactuator 172 is manipulatable by an operator from at least a first position to a second position to deflect thedistal end 104. In one option, theactuator 172 includes alever member 174 that is easily manipulated by a single hand using a squeezing motion. The squeezing input from the hand is transferred into linear movement to provide the linear stroke for the pull wire on the proximal end, as further described below. - The
lever actuator member 174 extends from a first member end 176 (FIG. 7A ) to a second member end 179 (FIG. 7A ), and in one option, is operatively coupled with thehandle assembly 150 at a fulcrum 178 (FIG. 7A ) or hinge, for example, although not limited to, a lower surface of thehousing 152. Thelever actuator member 174, in at least one option, moves about thefulcrum 178, for example, by a hinge, pivoting, or rotating movement. As thelever actuator member 174 moves about thefulcrum 178, thelever actuator member 174 moves toward a secondopposite surface 182 of thehandle housing 152, for example, in to and out of theslot 173 of thehousing 152. In another option, thelever actuator member 174 is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of thehandle housing 152 and rotates along the longitudinal axis, for example, parallel with the housing longitudinal axis. - The
lever actuator member 174 is designed to be used by a single handed operation. For example, the user can squeeze thelever actuator member 174 and manipulate thedistal end 104 of the catheter assembly. Thelever actuator member 174 is resiliently coupled within the handle assembly such that squeezing thelever actuator member 174 deflects thedistal end 104, for example, in a first direction, and releasing thelever actuator member 174 allows for the resilient member, discussed further below, to actuate or deflect thedistal end 104 in a second direction. Further options which facilitate single-handed operation include the relative proportions of thelever actuator member 174. For example, the lever extends along the housing where thelever member 174 has a length greater than at least half a length of the handle length. - Further options are illustrated in
FIGS. 2-8 .FIG. 2 illustrates alever actuator member 174 disposed along an upper surface of thehousing 152 and anoptional grip portion 153 opposite from thelever actuator member 174. Thegrip portion 153 optionally includesrecesses 155 to receive a user's fingers therein. In another option, as illustrated inFIG. 3 , thehandle housing 152 has a pistol-grip portion 153. In yet another option, which can be incorporated with any embodiment, thelever actuator member 174 includes agrip portion 153 withrecesses 155 therein.FIG. 4 illustrates another option where thefulcrum 178 is disposed near the proximal end of the handle housing, and thelever actuator member 174 moves in and out of an upper surface of the handle housing. Opposite themember 174 is thegrip portion 153 disposed along the lower portion ofhandle housing 152. -
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate additional options for thehandle assembly 150. For example,FIG. 5 illustrates ahandle assembly 150 with anactuator member 174 that is moved toward a location within the housing to actuate the assembly.Linkaes actuator member 174, allowing for the pullwire to be pulled, and a distal end of the catheter body to be deflected. For instance, afirst linkage 173 rotates about 171, and is hingedly coupled with theactuator member 174 at 177, for example with aroller 181. Thesecond linkage 175 moves with thepull wire 120 along A-A, and is coupled with both thepull wire 120 and theactuator 174, for instance with one ormore rollers 181. Optionally aspring 183, such as a compression spring, is disposed within the housing and assists in returning thepull wire 120 to a predetermined position, such as a J shape, or a straight position. As theactuator 174 is moved, the overall linkage length extends and retracts, which moves thepullwire 120 relative to the sheath, or catheter body.FIG. 6 illustrates another configuration for the handle assembly, with similar internal options as discussed above forFIG. 5 . It should be noted that for bothFIG. 5 andFIG. 6 many other embodiments discussed above and below and be incorporated therewith. - The
handle assembly 150 further includes an internal mechanism for translating the movement of theactuator member 174 to movement of the flexible element, such as, but not limited to, pullwire 120, resulting in deflection of the distal end of the catheter assembly.FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate one example. Aresilient member 200, such as a spring, is operably disposed between alever actuator member 174 and another element, such as thehousing 152. Theresilient member 200 allows for thelever actuator member 174 to return to a first position. Alinkage 190 is disposed within thehousing handle 152 and is operatively coupled with thehousing 152 and thelever actuator member 174. - The
linkage 190 includes adistal link 192, aproximal link 194, alever member roller 196, and a handle roller 198. Thedistal link 192 is rotatably coupled with thehousing 152 at afirst end 193 and is rotatably coupled with themember roller 196 at a second end 195. Theproximal link 194 is coupled with themember roller 196 at a first end 191 and with apull wire assembly 121 at a second end 189. Thepull wire assembly 121 moves within a portion of thehousing 152 as the lever member actuates thelinkage 190. Thepull wire assembly 121 is mechanically fixed with thepull wire 120, such that as thepull wire assembly 121 is moved, thepull wire 120 is moved. -
FIGS. 7B and 7C illustrate one example of the movement of the internal mechanism that allows for use of the catheter assembly. Thelever actuator member 174 is moved from a first position (FIG. 7B ) to a second position (FIG. 7C ), for example, by a user squeezing thelever actuator member 174, and moves the linkages as illustrated in the figures. Thelinkages 190 move thepull wire assembly 121, and moves thepull wire 120. As thepull wire 120 is moved, this pulls on the pull wire anchor, and the distal end of the catheter body is deflected into position as desired by the physician. In at least one option, as the lever actuator is moved, for example within a first plane of movement, the distal end of the catheter body moves within a second plane of movement. Optionally, the first plane is substantially non-parallel with the second plane. In one option, an indicator is associated with the movement or deflection of the catheter body, such that feedback is provided while the body is being moved. -
FIG. 8 illustrates another option for the internal mechanism. Thepull wire 120 extends through thehousing 152 and is anchored to anchor 123. Thepull wire 120 is anchored, in one example, at its distal end to theanchor 123. Theanchor 123 is mechanically fixed, in one option, to theactuator member 174, where movement of theactuator member 174, for example around the fulcrum, moves theanchor 123 and thepull wire 120. - The
handle housing 152 includes aprojection 149 extending from an internal portion of thehousing 152. Theprojection 149 obstructs the path of thepull wire 120 when thepull wire 120 and/oranchor 123 are moved relative to theprojection 149. For example, theactuator member 174 is moved from a first position to a second position, and theanchor 123 is moved therewith. The anchor movement moves thepull wire 120 and extends it over theprojection 149, increasing the amount ofpull wire 120 disposed within thehandle housing 152, and decreasing the amount ofpull wire 120 in the catheter body. This causes tension in thepull wire 120 and causes the distal end of the catheter body to deflect. When thelever actuator member 174 is released, the tension in thepull wire 120 is released, and the deflection in the distal end is released. It should be noted that theprojection 149 andanchor 123 are one example of an internal mechanism where the length of thepull wire 120 is displaced, however, other variations are possible. For example, theprojection 149 can be disposed on thelever actuator member 174, and the anchor can be disposed on thehousing 152. In another option, theprojection 149 could have a pulley or roller so the pullwire is not dragged across its surface. - In another option, the
handle assembly 150 further includes alocking mechanism 202 associated therewith, as illustrated inFIGS. 9-11 , or alocking mechanism 202 associated with thepull wire 220. It should be noted that thelocking mechanism 202 or portions thereof can be incorporated with one or more of the various embodiments discussed above and below. In one option, thelocking mechanism 202 is associated with the flexible element to lock theflexible element 220 in an intermediate position. One example of the locking is a mechanism that allows a user to place friction or pressure on the internal mechanisms described above, for example, the pull wire assembly. For example, a button or lever disposed along the handle assembly that operably prevents the one or more of the members of the internal mechanisms from moving. - One example is illustrated in
FIGS. 9-11 . For instance, a member, such asknob 210 is received at least partially within thehousing 152. Theknob 210 is rotatably coupled with a housing, for example through a threaded connection. A portion of the knob, for example, adistal portion 212, presses the pull wire assembly against a surface within thehousing 152, and prevents movement of thepull wire 220 relative to thehousing 152. For instance, the portion of the knob presses thepullwire assembly 222 against a surface on an opposite side of the pull wire assembly. It should be noted that other types of locking mechanisms can be used as well. For example, a locking mechanism which prevents movement of the pull wire relative to the housing. - The
portion 212 can have a larger cross-sectional area than the rotatable part of the knob such that additional frictional forces can be placed on the pull wire assembly. The rotation of theknob 210 causes theportion 212 to move relative to thepull wire 220, however, theportion 212 may or may not rotate when the knob is rotated. In another option, ahigh friction member 214 is disposed alongportion 212, providing additional frictional forces to thepullwire assembly 222. - In another embodiment, a method comprises manipulating a catheter assembly, the catheter assembly including a handle assembly, a catheter body controllable by a flexible element coupled with the handle assembly. An actuator member is coupled with the flexible element, where movement of the lever actuator member provides for movement of the flexible element and deflection of the distal end. The method includes moving the lever actuator member from a first actuator position to a second actuator position. The method further optionally includes moving the lever actuator member from a position along a first surface of the handle assembly toward a second opposite surface of the handle assembly, where moving the lever actuator member from the first actuator position deflects the distal end portion of the catheter body.
- As the lever actuator is moved or manipulated, for example, with one hand, the internal mechanisms are manipulated, as discussed above. For example, internal linkages are manipulated, for example, by rotation. Alternatively, the pull wire length is displaced within the housing by a projection. It should be noted that a combination of these examples are also possible. Further options include locking the flexible element from movement, for example, relative to the housing.
- Advantageously, the above-described deflectable catheter allows for increased control of the distal deflectable catheter end. The catheter allows for single-handed use of the device, and allows for a grip force to be exerted on the handle assembly. A large force can be produced by the user with grip force, and the device is useful for use with larger catheter shafts or thick-walled catheter shafts which are otherwise difficult to manipulate, or require a complicated mechanism to multiply force of the user.
- It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. It should be noted that embodiments discussed in different portions of the description or referred to in different drawings can be combined to form additional embodiments of the present invention. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Claims (28)
1. A catheter assembly, comprising:
a handle assembly, including a handle housing;
a catheter body coupled with the handle assembly, the catheter body extends to a deflectable distal end portion;
a pull wire anchor disposed within the handle assembly;
a pull wire, extending through a portion of the handle assembly, the pull wire is coupled to the anchor and operably coupled to the deflectable distal end portion, wherein the pull wire includes first and second pull wire segments disposed substantially within the handle assembly, and a third pull wire segment disposed substantially within the catheter body;
a projection disposed within the handle housing, the projection extends from an internal portion of the handle assembly, and the projection engages with and deflects the pull wire into the first and second pull wire segments between the catheter body and the anchor; and
a lever actuator member operatively coupled with the pull wire, the lever actuator member movable from a first lever position to a second lever position, wherein:
in the first lever position, the first pull wire segment is a first initial length and the third pull wire segment is a second initial length; and
in the second lever position, the first pull wire segment is a greater length than the first initial length and the third pull wire segment is a lesser length than the second initial length.
2. The catheter assembly of claim 1 , wherein a length of the second pull wire segment disposed substantially within the handle assembly is substantially the same when the lever actuator member is in the first lever position and when the lever actuator member is in the second lever position.
3. The catheter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first pull wire segment disposed substantially within the handle assembly is disposed substantially between the pull wire anchor and the projection.
4. The catheter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the second pull wire segment disposed substantially within the handle assembly is disposed substantially between the projection and the catheter body.
5. The catheter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the lever actuator member is configured to displace at least one of the pull wire anchor or the projection to increase the length of the pull wire disposed within the handle housing and decrease the length of the pull wire disposed within the catheter body.
6. The catheter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the handle assembly is configured for single-handed manipulation.
7. The catheter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the pull wire anchor disposed within the handle assembly is fixedly coupled to the lever actuator member.
8. The catheter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the projection disposed within the handle housing is fixedly coupled to the lever actuator member.
9. The catheter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the projection disposed within the handle housing includes a roller, the roller is movably coupled to the pull wire.
10. A catheter assembly comprising:
a handle assembly, including a handle housing;
a catheter body having a catheter body axis, the catheter body extends to a deflectable distal end portion, the deflectable distal end portion is movable from a distal portion first position to a distal portion second position;
a pull wire, operatively coupled with the handle assembly and the deflectable distal end portion, a pull wire first segment laterally exits the catheter body away from the catheter body axis;
a lever actuator member operatively coupled with the pull wire, the lever actuator member is continuously variable from a first lever position to a second lever position, and movement of the lever actuator member provides for movement of the pull wire and the deflectable distal end portion;
a pull wire anchor disposed within the handle assembly and fixedly coupled to the pull wire and at least one of the lever actuator member or the handle housing; and
a projection disposed within the handle housing, the projection extends from an internal portion of at least one of the handle housing or the lever actuator member, and the projection engages with and deflects the pull wire first segment, wherein a proximal portion of the pull wire first segment extends between the projection and the pull wire anchor, and wherein a distal portion of the pull wire first segment extends between the projection and the catheter body.
11. The catheter assembly of claim 10 , wherein the lever actuator member is configured to displace at least one of the anchor or the projection to increase the amount of the pull wire disposed within the handle housing.
12. The catheter assembly of claim 11 , wherein the proximal portion of the pull wire first segment has a first length in the first lever position and the proximal portion of the pull wire first segment has a second length in the second lever position; and
wherein the second length is different than the first length.
13. The catheter assembly of claim 10 , wherein the projection disposed within the handle housing includes a roller, the roller movably coupled to the pull wire.
14. The catheter assembly of claim 10 , wherein the lever actuator member is configured to displace at least one of the pull wire anchor or the projection to increase the length of the pull wire first segment.
15. The catheter assembly of claim 10 , wherein the handle assembly is configured to receive a grip force.
16. The catheter assembly of claim 10 , wherein the projection extends from an internal portion of the handle housing; and
wherein the pull wire anchor is fixedly coupled to the lever actuator member.
17. The catheter assembly of claim 10 , wherein the projection extends from an internal portion of the lever actuator member; and
wherein the pull wire anchor is fixedly coupled to the handle housing.
18. The catheter assembly of claim 10 , wherein the lever actuator member is operatively coupled to the handle assembly at a fulcrum.
19. The catheter assembly of claim 10 , including a locking mechanism associated with the deflectable distal end portion to secure the deflectable distal end portion in an intermediate position between the distal portion first position and the distal portion second position.
20. The catheter assembly of claim 10 , wherein the deflectable distal end portion is displaced from the distal portion first position toward the distal portion second position by an amount proportional to a displacement of the lever actuator member.
21. A method of manipulating a catheter assembly, comprising:
deflecting a catheter pull wire with a projection disposed within a catheter handle assembly, the projection engages the pull wire between first and second pull wire segments, and the catheter pull wire is operably coupled to a deflectable distal end portion of the catheter assembly;
moving a lever actuator member from a first actuator position to a second actuator position, wherein moving the lever actuator member changes a length of the first pull wire segment; and
deflecting the distal end portion from a first position to a second position according to the movement of the lever actuator member and the change in length of the first pull wire segment.
22. The method of claim 21 , including moving the lever actuator member from the second actuator position to the first actuator position to deflect the distal end portion in a second direction, wherein moving the lever actuator member from the second actuator position to the first actuator position decreases a length of the first pull wire segment.
23. The method of claim 21 , wherein the moving the lever actuator member includes using a grip force to engage a first portion of the lever actuator member and forcibly position a second opposed portion of the lever actuator member inside the housing assembly, including moving the lever actuator member from a position along a first surface of the handle assembly toward a second opposite surface of the handle assembly.
24. The method of claim 21 , comprising moving the lever actuator member along a first plane and moving the deflectable distal end portion along a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are non-parallel.
25. The method of claim 21 , wherein the moving the lever actuator member includes moving the projection, wherein the projection is fixedly coupled to the lever actuator member.
26. The method of claim 21 , wherein the moving the lever actuator member includes moving a pull wire anchor, wherein the pull wire anchor is fixedly coupled to the lever actuator member.
27. The method of claim 21 , wherein the moving the lever actuator member includes moving the pull wire over a roller coupled to the projection.
28. The method of claim 21 , further comprising securing the distal end portion in a deflected position.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/091,187 US20110196346A1 (en) | 2005-05-12 | 2011-04-21 | Articulating handle for a deflectable catheter and method therefor |
US13/675,446 US8444626B2 (en) | 2005-05-12 | 2012-11-13 | Articulating handle for a deflectable catheter and method therefor |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/127,818 US7955314B2 (en) | 2005-05-12 | 2005-05-12 | Articulating handle for a deflectable catheter and method therefor |
US13/091,187 US20110196346A1 (en) | 2005-05-12 | 2011-04-21 | Articulating handle for a deflectable catheter and method therefor |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/127,818 Continuation US7955314B2 (en) | 2005-05-12 | 2005-05-12 | Articulating handle for a deflectable catheter and method therefor |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/675,446 Continuation-In-Part US8444626B2 (en) | 2005-05-12 | 2012-11-13 | Articulating handle for a deflectable catheter and method therefor |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110196346A1 true US20110196346A1 (en) | 2011-08-11 |
Family
ID=37420105
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/127,818 Expired - Fee Related US7955314B2 (en) | 2005-05-12 | 2005-05-12 | Articulating handle for a deflectable catheter and method therefor |
US13/091,187 Abandoned US20110196346A1 (en) | 2005-05-12 | 2011-04-21 | Articulating handle for a deflectable catheter and method therefor |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/127,818 Expired - Fee Related US7955314B2 (en) | 2005-05-12 | 2005-05-12 | Articulating handle for a deflectable catheter and method therefor |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US7955314B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1885427B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2607752C (en) |
DE (1) | DE602006013814D1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006124586A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8808345B2 (en) | 2008-12-31 | 2014-08-19 | Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.A.R.L. | Handle assemblies for intravascular treatment devices and associated systems and methods |
Families Citing this family (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7955314B2 (en) * | 2005-05-12 | 2011-06-07 | Greatbatch Ltd. | Articulating handle for a deflectable catheter and method therefor |
AU2007216661A1 (en) * | 2006-09-21 | 2008-04-10 | Cathrx Ltd | Catheter actuator |
US7931616B2 (en) * | 2006-10-31 | 2011-04-26 | Biosense Webster, Inc. | Insert molded catheter puller member connectors and method of making |
US8906019B2 (en) * | 2011-01-07 | 2014-12-09 | Covidien Lp | Ferrofluidic lock |
US9636480B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2017-05-02 | Matthew W. Sevensma | Steerable catheters |
US10448973B2 (en) | 2016-10-14 | 2019-10-22 | Pacesetter, Inc. | Catheter-based system for delivery and retrieval of a leadless pacemaker |
US10786651B2 (en) | 2017-03-07 | 2020-09-29 | Talon Medical, LLC | Steerable guide catheter |
CA3088153A1 (en) * | 2018-01-11 | 2019-07-18 | The United States Government As Represented By The Department Of Veterans Affairs | Sampling catheter with articulating tip |
US11357570B2 (en) | 2019-04-19 | 2022-06-14 | Lake Region Manufacturing, Inc. | Ablation catheter with fiber Bragg grating strain sensors |
US20200383599A1 (en) | 2019-06-07 | 2020-12-10 | Lake Region Manufacturing, Inc. | Basket-type ep catheter with electrode polling for sequential electrode sampling |
US11585706B2 (en) | 2020-10-14 | 2023-02-21 | Lake Region Manufacturing, Inc. | Guidewire with fiber Bragg grating strain sensors |
Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3452740A (en) * | 1966-05-31 | 1969-07-01 | Us Catheter & Instr Corp | Spring guide manipulator |
US4178920A (en) * | 1977-10-03 | 1979-12-18 | American Hospital Supply Corporation | Urological instrument with deflecting element |
US4898577A (en) * | 1988-09-28 | 1990-02-06 | Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. | Guiding cathether with controllable distal tip |
US5273535A (en) * | 1991-11-08 | 1993-12-28 | Ep Technologies, Inc. | Catheter with electrode tip having asymmetric left and right curve configurations |
US5472017A (en) * | 1992-11-17 | 1995-12-05 | Life Medical Technologies, Inc. | Deflectable catheter |
US5562619A (en) * | 1993-08-19 | 1996-10-08 | Boston Scientific Corporation | Deflectable catheter |
US5604658A (en) * | 1994-07-15 | 1997-02-18 | Plessey Semiconductors Limited | Trimmable capacitor |
US5861024A (en) * | 1997-06-20 | 1999-01-19 | Cardiac Assist Devices, Inc | Electrophysiology catheter and remote actuator therefor |
US5944727A (en) * | 1998-09-02 | 1999-08-31 | Datascope Investment Corp. | Stent/graft catheter handle |
US6171277B1 (en) * | 1997-12-01 | 2001-01-09 | Cordis Webster, Inc. | Bi-directional control handle for steerable catheter |
US20030109778A1 (en) * | 1997-06-20 | 2003-06-12 | Cardiac Assist Devices, Inc. | Electrophysiology/ablation catheter and remote actuator therefor |
US6579278B1 (en) * | 2000-05-05 | 2003-06-17 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Bi-directional steerable catheter with asymmetric fulcrum |
US20060258979A1 (en) * | 2005-05-12 | 2006-11-16 | Enpath Medical, Inc. | Articulating handle for a deflectable catheter and method therefor |
US7524301B2 (en) * | 2000-11-29 | 2009-04-28 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Active counterforce handle for use in bidirectional deflectable tip instruments |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5358478A (en) | 1990-02-02 | 1994-10-25 | Ep Technologies, Inc. | Catheter steering assembly providing asymmetric left and right curve configurations |
US5601658A (en) | 1995-06-30 | 1997-02-11 | Purdue Research Foundation | Method of treating lead-containing surfaces to passivate the surface lead |
EP0938871A3 (en) | 1998-02-27 | 2001-03-07 | ECLIPSE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIES, Inc. | Surgical apparatus |
US6652506B2 (en) | 2001-05-04 | 2003-11-25 | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. | Self-locking handle for steering a single or multiple-profile catheter |
-
2005
- 2005-05-12 US US11/127,818 patent/US7955314B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2006
- 2006-05-12 CA CA2607752A patent/CA2607752C/en active Active
- 2006-05-12 DE DE602006013814T patent/DE602006013814D1/en active Active
- 2006-05-12 EP EP06759666A patent/EP1885427B1/en active Active
- 2006-05-12 WO PCT/US2006/018428 patent/WO2006124586A2/en active Application Filing
-
2011
- 2011-04-21 US US13/091,187 patent/US20110196346A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3452740A (en) * | 1966-05-31 | 1969-07-01 | Us Catheter & Instr Corp | Spring guide manipulator |
US4178920A (en) * | 1977-10-03 | 1979-12-18 | American Hospital Supply Corporation | Urological instrument with deflecting element |
US4898577A (en) * | 1988-09-28 | 1990-02-06 | Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. | Guiding cathether with controllable distal tip |
US5273535A (en) * | 1991-11-08 | 1993-12-28 | Ep Technologies, Inc. | Catheter with electrode tip having asymmetric left and right curve configurations |
US5472017A (en) * | 1992-11-17 | 1995-12-05 | Life Medical Technologies, Inc. | Deflectable catheter |
US5562619A (en) * | 1993-08-19 | 1996-10-08 | Boston Scientific Corporation | Deflectable catheter |
US5604658A (en) * | 1994-07-15 | 1997-02-18 | Plessey Semiconductors Limited | Trimmable capacitor |
US5861024A (en) * | 1997-06-20 | 1999-01-19 | Cardiac Assist Devices, Inc | Electrophysiology catheter and remote actuator therefor |
US20030109778A1 (en) * | 1997-06-20 | 2003-06-12 | Cardiac Assist Devices, Inc. | Electrophysiology/ablation catheter and remote actuator therefor |
US6171277B1 (en) * | 1997-12-01 | 2001-01-09 | Cordis Webster, Inc. | Bi-directional control handle for steerable catheter |
US5944727A (en) * | 1998-09-02 | 1999-08-31 | Datascope Investment Corp. | Stent/graft catheter handle |
US6579278B1 (en) * | 2000-05-05 | 2003-06-17 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Bi-directional steerable catheter with asymmetric fulcrum |
US7524301B2 (en) * | 2000-11-29 | 2009-04-28 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Active counterforce handle for use in bidirectional deflectable tip instruments |
US20060258979A1 (en) * | 2005-05-12 | 2006-11-16 | Enpath Medical, Inc. | Articulating handle for a deflectable catheter and method therefor |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8808345B2 (en) | 2008-12-31 | 2014-08-19 | Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.A.R.L. | Handle assemblies for intravascular treatment devices and associated systems and methods |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE602006013814D1 (en) | 2010-06-02 |
WO2006124586A2 (en) | 2006-11-23 |
US20060258979A1 (en) | 2006-11-16 |
EP1885427B1 (en) | 2010-04-21 |
CA2607752C (en) | 2012-10-02 |
US7955314B2 (en) | 2011-06-07 |
EP1885427A2 (en) | 2008-02-13 |
CA2607752A1 (en) | 2006-11-23 |
WO2006124586A3 (en) | 2007-03-22 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7955314B2 (en) | Articulating handle for a deflectable catheter and method therefor | |
US20030236493A1 (en) | Articulating handle for a deflectable catheter and method therefor | |
US10493238B2 (en) | Steering mechanism for bi-directional catheter | |
US11717646B2 (en) | Steerable medical device and method | |
US6663588B2 (en) | Active counterforce handle for use in bidirectional deflectable tip instruments | |
US20170326337A1 (en) | Steering control mechanism for catheters | |
US8444626B2 (en) | Articulating handle for a deflectable catheter and method therefor | |
EP3244958B1 (en) | Medical device including a variable torque assembly for device deflection | |
EP2288284A2 (en) | Steering system with locking mechanism | |
JP6632789B2 (en) | One-way catheter control handle with tension control | |
US20200069916A1 (en) | Guidewire |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |