Patent ID: 8323239
Filing Date: 2012-12-04
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions, the apparatus comprising: a handle grip including one of generally oval and circular cross-sections of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis; a flexible elongate member including proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip; a lumen extending through said flexible elongate member terminating at an external opening at the distal end portion of said flexible elongate member; an adjustment knob including a generally circular cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and being rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis of the handle grip; at least one elongate deflection member operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member, and an additional elongate deflection member operably coupled to the adjustment knob; wherein rotation of the adjustment knob imparts a tensile force to the elongate deflection member by linear movement of an actuation member coupled to the elongate deflection member relative to the adjustment knob thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior, substantially straight configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob means for simultaneously imparting a tensile force to the elongate deflection member and for releasing a tensile force on the additional elongate deflection member; wherein the adjustment knob includes an interior surface forming an aperture generally orthogonally oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle grip, the interior surface includes at least one set of threaded grooves which cooperate with the means; wherein the means for simultaneously imparting further comprises a pair of generally axially displaceable members disposed within the handle grip, wherein rotation of the adjustment knob imparts opposing forces to the axially displaceable members.