Patent ID: 7604611
Filing Date: 2009-10-20
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A thumb wheel mechanism for use with a deflectable tip catheter with reduced stress in neutral position, the thumb wheel mechanism comprising: a thumb wheel having a first upper surface opposing a first lower surface, the first lower surface including a bore and a ball connected to the bore, the ball having a diameter greater than the depth of the bore; a handle half having a second upper surface opposing a second lower surface, the second upper surface including a divot, the first lower surface being positioned over the second upper surface and the divot being aligned with the bore so that when the thumb wheel is in a neutral position, a portion of the ball extending beyond the first lower surface rests in the divot; and the thumb wheel further comprising a friction disk, whereby when the thumb wheel is in the neutral position, a minimal compression load is applied to the friction disk due to the location of the ball in the divot and conversely when the thumb wheel is in an engaged position and the ball rests along the second upper surface outside the divot, a force is applied on the friction disk resulting in compression thereof.