Patent ID: 8202244

Claim:
A system for remotely controlling the positioning within the body of a patient of a catheter having a catheter handle portion, the system comprising: a robotic device configured to position and control the catheter within the body of the patient, wherein the robotic device is securely affixed to a base or support; and a remote control mechanism configured to control the robotic device, wherein the robotic device comprises: a modular handle controller adapted to engage the catheter handle portion, the modular handle controller comprises a fastening mechanism, a handle assembly, and a catheter control assembly configured to engage a control mechanism on the catheter handle portion when a catheter handle portion is inserted in the modular handle controller; a first motor coupled to the modular handle controller and configured to at least move the catheter forward and backward; a second motor coupled to the modular handle controller and configured to at least rotate the modular handle controller in clockwise and counterclockwise directions about a long axis; a third motor coupled to the modular handle controller and configured to engage the catheter control assembly such that when the third motor is actuated the control mechanism on the catheter handle portion causes deflection of the distal end of the catheter in at least a first direction; and a control unit connected to the first, second and third motors, wherein handles, knobs, switches, or controls on the catheter handle portion are manipulated by the modular handle controller to control the movement of the catheter in a manner that is similar to manual control of the catheter handle portion.