Patent ID: 6464645
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
A steering mechanism for an ultrasonic transducer assembly of the type comprising: an elongated conduit comprising a distal end portion and a proximal end portion; a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements carried by the conduit adjacent the distal end portion; and a set of steering lines comprising a first steering line carried by the conduit; said steering mechanism comprising:a housing defining a longitudinal axis extending generally parallel to the proximal position of the conduit; a steering actuator mounted for rotation about the longitudinal axis, said steering actuator accessible to a user around a complete circumference of the housing; a steering hub carried by the steering actuator for rotation about the longitudinal axis, said steering hub being adapted to secure the first steering line thereto such that rotation of the steering hub alters the effective length of the first steering line to steer the distal end; and a stator carried by the housing adjacent the steering hub, said stator being adapted to have said first steering line wrap at least partially around an outer diameter of the stator before securing to the steering hub.