Patent ID: 8021326
Filing Date: 2011-09-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A catheter instrument, comprising: an elongate flexible catheter member; first and second control elements extending within the catheter member and secured to a distal end portion thereof, such that axial movement of one or both of the first and second control elements causes a corresponding bending motion of the catheter member distal end portion; and a drivable assembly fixedly mounted to a proximal end of the catheter member, the drivable assembly comprising a base housing and a control element interface moveably mounted within the base housing and coupled to the respective first and second control elements, wherein the control element interface is configured to rotate relative to the base housing to thereby axially move the first control elements relative to the catheter member, and to translate relative to the base housing to thereby axially move the second control element relative to the catheter member, wherein the base housing comprises a slot in which the control element interface is moveably mounted, and wherein the control element interface is configured to both rotate and axially translate within the slot relative to the base housing to thereby respectively axially move the first and second control elements relative to the catheter member.