STEERING SYSTEM WITH LOCKING MECHANISM
First Claim
1. A steering system for a steerable device having a deflectable insertion shaft through which at least first and second steering wires are routed, the steering system comprising:
- first and second drive members adapted to be coupled to the first and second steering wires for effecting movement of the first and second steering wires, respectively;
a first lock member associated with the first drive member, the first lock member movable between an unlocked position, wherein the first drive member is freely movable to effect movement on the first steering wire, and a locked position, wherein the first drive member is prohibited from effecting movement on the first steering wire; and
a second lock member associated with the second drive member and movable independently of the first lock member, the second lock member movable between an unlocked position, wherein the second drive member is movable to effect movement on the second steering wire, and a locked position, wherein the second drive member is prohibited from effecting movement on the second steering wire.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A steerable device, such as a steerable catheter, may include a control handle and an insertion shaft extending outwardly therefrom. In use, the insertion shaft is navigated to an area of interest for examination and/or treatment thereof. The steerable device may include a steering system that controls the deflection angle of the distal end of the insertion shaft in two or more non-planar directions for navigating the insertion shaft to the area of interest. The steering system may also include a locking mechanism for arresting or partially arresting the movement of the distal end of the insertion shaft in a first direction independent of arresting or partially arresting the movement of the distal end in a second non-planar direction.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A steering system for a steerable device having a deflectable insertion shaft through which at least first and second steering wires are routed, the steering system comprising:
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first and second drive members adapted to be coupled to the first and second steering wires for effecting movement of the first and second steering wires, respectively; a first lock member associated with the first drive member, the first lock member movable between an unlocked position, wherein the first drive member is freely movable to effect movement on the first steering wire, and a locked position, wherein the first drive member is prohibited from effecting movement on the first steering wire; and a second lock member associated with the second drive member and movable independently of the first lock member, the second lock member movable between an unlocked position, wherein the second drive member is movable to effect movement on the second steering wire, and a locked position, wherein the second drive member is prohibited from effecting movement on the second steering wire. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A steering system for a steerable device, comprising:
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first and second steering wires; first and second drive members coupled to the first and second steering wires for selectively tensioning the first and second steering wires, respectively; first and second lock members independently movable between unlocked positions, wherein the first and second steering wires are freely movable, and one or more positions that either restrict or resist movement of the first and second steering wires. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. A control handle of a steering device, the control handle comprising:
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a handle housing adapted for connection to a deflectable insertion shaft; a steering system carried by the handle housing, the steering system comprising; first and second drive members adapted for connection to the ends of first and second steering wires; a locking mechanism that locks the movement of the first drive member independently of the second drive member and locks the movement of the second drive member independently of the first drive member. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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19. A steerable device, comprising:
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an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, and a deflectable distal region; a control handle functionally coupled to the proximal end of the elongated shaft; a steering system carried by the control handle and coupled to the distal end of the insertion shaft for deflecting the distal end about the deflectable distal region in at least first and second non-planar directions; and a locking mechanism that locks the distal end of the insertion shaft against movement in the first direction independently of locking the distal end against movement in the second direction. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A steerable device, comprising:
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an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, and a deflectable distal region; a control handle functionally coupled to the proximal end of the elongated shaft; a steering system carried by the control handle and coupled to the distal end of the insertion shaft for deflecting the distal end about the deflectable distal region in at least first and second non planar directions; and means for resisting or prohibiting movement of the distal end of the insertion shaft in the first direction while allowing continued deflection of the distal end of the insertion shaft in the second direction.
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Specification