| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
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| 20080243063 | ROBOTIC INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS CONTROLLED USING KINEMATICS AND MECHANICS MODELS - Robotic instrument systems and control implementations are disclosed. In one such system, an elongate guide instrument such as a guide catheter includes tension or deflection element such as a stainless steel wire or pull wire. An actuator, such as a servo motor, is operably coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to control actuation of the servo motor based on execution of a control model including a mechanics model that accounts for a force on the guide instrument. The control model may also utilize both kinematics and mechanics models. The controller is configured to control actuation of the actuator based the control model that includes the mechanics model such that the elongate guide instrument bends when the actuator moves the deflection member. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080243064 | SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR ROBOTIC MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - A robotic medical instrument system including a catheter body and an elongate, flexible support member that includes substantially spherical elements and a plurality of non-spherical elements, such as cylindrical elements, which may be configured as a series of alternating substantially spherical and cylindrical elements. The support structure is bendable with the catheter body lumen. The substantially spherical and non-spherical elements may also collectively define a central, inner lumen. Bending of respective catheter body and the flexible support structure may be controllably by manipulation of the control element. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080255504 | USER INTERFACE FOR CONFIGURING AN INVASIVE CARDIOLOGY DIGITAL SIGNAL AMPLIFIER AND METHOD OF USE - Certain embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for catheter input management. Certain embodiments provide a user interface system facilitating catheter monitoring. The system includes a virtual catheter input module (CIM) corresponding to and representing a physical CIM that is adapted to be connected to at least one catheter. The system also includes a configuration module establishing a catheter configuration for the virtual CIM based on a plurality of configuration settings for a catheter channel. At least one catheter channel is assigned to a virtual input port on the virtual CIM. The configuration module applies the catheter configuration for at least one catheter channel when a catheter is connected to a physical input port on the physical CIM corresponding to the virtual input port on the virtual CIM. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080275388 | Catheter Handle and a Catheter Assembly Including Such a Handle - A catheter handle | 11-06-2008 |
| 20090018497 | MAGNETICALLY GUIDED CATHETER WITH CONCENTRIC NEEDLE PORT - A catheter adapted for ablation, mapping, injection, and directional control by an external magnetic system has a catheter body, an intermediate section, and a tip section having a tip electrode configured with an omnidirectional distal end and a concentric needle port. The tip electrode houses a magnetic device and a position sensor arranged in an integrated configuration, wherein the configuration facilitates a path in the tip section for a component, including an injection needle, to extend through the tip section for extension and retraction with reduced stress and friction. The integrated configuration is an efficient use of space in the tip electrode that allows the tip section to carry both the position sensor for determining location and orientation of the tip section and the necessary volume of magnetic or magnetizable material to accomplish magnetic navigation. The catheter also includes a very soft and flexible intermediate section and an even softer and more flexible distal transitional section carrying additional magnetic members to facilitate remote magnetic navigation. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090024084 | MULTI-LUMEN CATHETER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF PROVIDING RELATIVE MOTION THERETO - A handle for providing relative motion to a multi-lumen catheter assembly includes an elongated handle body having a longitudinal axis. The handle body has longitudinally spaced proximal and distal handle ends. An outer catheter chuck is connected to the distal handle end and is adapted to receive an outer catheter member. An inner catheter chuck is connected to the proximal handle end and is adapted to receive an inner catheter member. A handle actuator is movably connected to the handle body. The handle actuator is adapted to receive an intermediate catheter member and to move the intermediate catheter member relative to the inner and outer catheter members. The intermediate catheter is at least partially interposed between the inner and outer catheter. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090024085 | Atherectomy devices, systems, and methods - The devices and methods generally relate to treatment of occluded body lumens. In particular, the present devices and method relate to removal of the occluding material from the blood vessels as well as other body lumens. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090054835 | CATHETER CONTROL - A catheter control assembly | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090076445 | Sterile catheter pullback mechanism assemblies - One aspect of the invention provides catheter pullback apparatuses in which a reusable drive component is enclosed in a sterile disposable barrier enclosure, such as a polymeric sheath/bag. In one embodiment, the reusable drive component includes a pullback carriage that is magnetically coupled, through the sterile barrier, to a slideable catheter shuttle adapted to retain a catheter hub of a catheter. In another embodiment, a sterile barrier-enclosed drive component is inserted into a housing, in which process a piercing tip provided on the catheter shuttle pierces the enclosure and mechanically mates the slideable catheter shuttle and pullback carriage. In this manner, non-sterility of the operating environment is minimized. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090082722 | REMOTE NAVIGATION ADVANCER DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE - Various systems for advancing medical devices within a subject's body are provided that configured to engage the outer surface of the medical device at a number of points about the circumference of the medical device, to thereby grip the medical device for enabling advancement of the device. The advancing systems include engaging portions configured to engage the outer surface of a medical device at a number of points about the circumference of the medical device. The engaging portions preferably engage opposing sides of the medical device's outer surface over a predetermined longitudinal length, to clamp against a longitudinal portion of the medical device that provides improved surface contact with the medical device over conventional roller guides. Various methods for performing medical procedures utilizing various medical devices and advancer systems are also provided. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090099513 | EXTENSION CONTROL HANDLE WITH ADJUSTABLE LOCKING MECHANISM - The present invention is directed to a needle control handle which allows a needle extension distance to be adjusted, set and locked. In one embodiment, the control handle has an outer body and a piston adapted for relative longitudinal movement to extend the needle. A first control knob is movable on the piston for adjusting and setting the distance of the needle extension. A second knob is provided for releasably locking the first control knob on the piston once the needle extension distance has been set. Each of the knobs has a contact surface that enables the knobs to mutually lock with and release from each other. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090099514 | AUTOMATED INJECTION CATHETER DEVICE AND SYSTEM - A device and system for automating catheter needle injection has a first actuator that extends a needle past the distal end of the catheter, a second actuator that depresses a plunger to deliver injectate through the needle and an agitator assembly to agitate the injectate before it enters the needle. The device and system may also include a force sensor coupled to the plunger to sense pressure to detect occlusion, and an optical sensor to sense movement of the second actuator. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090105638 | SINGLE USE DEFLECTABLE STYLET - A single use, deflectable stylet | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090105639 | CATHETER DRIVER SYSTEM - An apparatus for performing medical procedures on an anatomical body includes an extension with an element near its distal end to be extended into the body, and a driver that moves the extension axially into the body, and that causes flexure of the distal end of the extension. The movement and flexure of the extension is driven by the driver from the proximal end of the extension, and an electronic controller directs the operation of the driver. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090137952 | ROBOTIC INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS UTILIZING OPTICAL FIBER SENSOR - Robotic medical instrument systems and associated methods utilizing an optical fiber sensors such as Bragg sensor optical fibers. In one configuration, an optical fiber is coupled to an elongate instrument body and includes a fiber core having one or more Bragg gratings. A controller is configured to initiate various actions in response thereto. For example, a controller may generate and display a graphical representation of the instrument body and depict one or more position and/or orientation variables thereof, or adjust motors of an instrument driver to reposition the catheter or another instrument. Optical fibers having Bragg gratings may also be utilized with other system components including a plurality of working instruments that are positioned within a sheath lumen, an instrument driver, localization sensors, and/or an image capture device, and may also be coupled to a patient's body or associated structure that stabilizes the body. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090171271 | Active Cannula for Bio-Sensing and Surgical Intervention - Disclosed is a surgical needle, or active cannula, that is capable of following a complex path through cavities and tissue within a patient's anatomy. The needle has a plurality of overlapping flexible tubes, each of which has a pre-formed curvature and a pre-determined flexibility. Each of the plurality of flexible tubes is selected based on their respective pre-formed curvature and flexibility so that a given overlap configuration causes the combination of overlapping flexible tubes to form a predetermined shape that substantially matches a desired path through the anatomy. By individually controlling the translation and angular orientation of each of the flexible tubes, the surgical needle may be guided through the anatomy according to the desired path. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090177151 | SURGICAL NEEDLE AND METHOD OF GUIDING A SURGICAL NEEDLE - A surgical assembly comprising a needle tip ( | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090221958 | User interface for remote control catheterization - A remote control catheterization system comprising: a propelling device, which controllably inserts a flexible, elongate probe into the body of a patient; and a control unit, in communication with the propelling device, and comprising user controls which are operated by a user of the system remote from the patient to control insertion of the probe into the body by the propelling device, wherein the user controls include an intuitive user interface comprising a handle that can be moved longitudinally, forward and back along a longitudinal axis, and also can be moved rotationally, in rotation around the longitudinal axis; the intuitive user interface comprising motion sensors that detect longitudinal motion and rotational motion of the handle and convert them to signals; and signal communication circuitry that communicates the signals to the control unit for commanding the propelling device to move the probe in respective direction and distance as the handle. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090326449 | Control apparatus of catheter feeder - The invention is disclosed to a control apparatus of catheter feeder. It comprises two rotatable mechanisms and a transmittal device that can propel the guidewire into continuous motion comprising moving forward, moving backward, moving clockwise, and moving counter-clockwise. The invention comprises of a square frame and three gears that are meshed together and are referred to the first, second, and third gear, respectively. At the front of the third gear are the first and second sets of the idle wheels that can hold the guidewire tightly. The invention employs the mechanical gears to control movement of the guidewire. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100022947 | INFLATABLE CHAMBER DEVICE FOR MOTION THROUGH A PASSAGE - A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, and incorporating a number of novel aspects. To enable easy insertion and use, the rigidity of the device is increased by means of rigid inserts in the balloons, or by use of stiff springs between segments. The working channel can be attached to the distal chamber of the device, such that it is pulled from the leading end of the device during inflation, rather than being pulled from the trailing end of the device during deflation. Lumen wall inspection or treatment facilities are enabled by means of a camera or treatment arm mounted between two distally positioned balloons, the device is able to provide observation capabilities to the lumen wall, yet without becoming excessively dirty by exposure to the front end of the device, as in prior art camera units. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100069833 | CATHETER SYSTEM - A robotic catheter system is provided. The robotic catheter system includes a housing and a drive assembly coupled to the housing. The drive assembly is configured to impart movement to a catheter device. The catheter system includes a release structure permitting the drive assembly to be decoupled and removed from the housing without removing the catheter device from a patient. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100087780 | Wire Guide having Variable Flexibility and Method of Use Thereof - The present invention generally relates to a medical surgical device and specifically a wire guide for percutaneous placement within a body lumen. The flexibility of the wire guide may be varied while it is in place within the body lumen. One embodiment of the wire guide includes and a distal tip positioned at the distal end of the coil. A plurality of core members are positioned side by side within the lumen. Methods of using the wire guide are also provided. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100121269 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SENSING FORCE ON A ROBOTICALLY CONTROLLED MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - A medical system comprises a medical probe including an elongated probe body, a lumen extending within the probe body, an axially flexible section, and a push-pull member slidably disposed within the lumen. The system comprises a ditherer mechanically coupled to the member for cyclically displacing it axially back and forth within the lumen, such that the ends of the probe body are axially displaced relative to each other via the axially flexible section. The system further comprises a sensor for sensing a force axially applied to the distal end of the probe body. A method comprises introducing a medical probe into a patient, axially dithering the distal end of the medical probe back and forth relative to the proximal end of the medical probe, and sensing a force applied between tissue of the patient and the distal end of the medical probe while the distal end is axially dithered. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100174233 | VASCULAR GUIDEWIRE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vascular guidewire system includes a tubular member which at least partially encloses a core wire. A first or distal gripper is connected with a handle to grip a proximal end portion of the tubular member. A second or proximal gripper is disposed in the handle and grips a proximal end portion of the core wire. A first or distal motor is disposed in the handle and is operable to rotate the core wire relative to the outer tubular member. A second or proximal motor is disposed in the handle and is operable to move the first or distal motor longitudinally relative to the handle to thereby move the core wire longitudinally relative to the outer tubular member. The second or proximal motor is disposed in a coaxial relationship with the first or distal motor. Rotational and/or longitudinally directed forces may be manually applied to the handle to move the tubular member and core wire relative to a patient's body. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100174234 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAGNETICALLY CONTROLLING MOTION DIRECTION OF MECHANICALLY PUSHED CATHETER - The movement of a catheter through a medium, which may be living tissue such as a human brain, is controlled by mechanically pushing a flexible catheter having a magnetic tip through the medium and applying a magnetic field having a magnitude and a direction that guides the mechanically-pushed catheter tip stepwise along a desired path. The magnetic field is controlled in a Magnetic Stereotaxis System by a processor using an adaptation of a PID (proportional, integral, and derivative) feedback method. The magnetic fields are applied by superconducting coils, and the currents applied through the coils are selected to minimize a current metric. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100204646 | ROBOTIC MANIPULATOR FOR THE REMOTE MANEUVERING OF CATHETERS - Robotic manipulator for the remote manoeuvring of steerable catheters (C) in the human cardiovascular system, of the type for subjecting the catheter, by supporting its handle (D) and by stiffening its outer portion by means of a telescopic guide (E), to axial advance and retraction movements, to axial rotation in both directions, and to the necessary steering movements to enable the tip of the catheter to be steered through the twists and turns of the cardiovascular system of the patient (P) and to reach a predetermined point in this system, in a controlled, repeatable and safe way. The manipulator comprises a body ( | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100211006 | MEDICAL GUIDE WIRE TORQUING DEVICE AND METHOD OF APPLYING TORQUE USING THE DEVICE - A medical guide wire torquing device that includes an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis (A) and provided with an element for receiving the guide wire. The receiving element includes a through-going bore extending inside the elongated body and a clamping body for securing torque on the guide wire in response to application of an external force in a first position and for releasing the torque from the guide wire in a second position. The wall of the elongated body has a traversing opening, and an actuator is arranged in the traverse opening in contact with the clamping body for actuating the clamping body between the first and second positions. The torque is easy to manipulate using only one hand and can be placed lengthwise of the guide wire in alternate secured and released positions without kinking the guide wire. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100217184 | STEERABLE CATHETER HAVING INTERMEDIATE STIFFNESS TRANSITION ZONE - A flexible, steerable intravascular catheter includes an elongate flexible shaft having a heterogeneous or multi-zone stiffness profile or structure. A first or distal portion of the catheter shaft may have a substantially constant or distinct stiffness or flexibility, a second, intermediate or transition section is proximal relative to, and less flexible than, the first section, and a third section is proximal relative to, and also less more flexible than, the first section. The third section also includes a substantially constant or distinct stiffness or flexibility. The flexibility or stiffness of the second section varies along its length, e.g., in a substantially linear, step-like or ramp-like manner to provide a smooth or gradual transition between the stiffness of the first or distal section and the flexibility or stiffness of the third or proximal section. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100228191 | LOCKABLE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - Assemblies and methods related to controllably lockable support structures are described. An assembly may comprise an interface defined by two adjacent tubular structures whereby the adjacent structures may be spatially locked and unlocked relative to each other with application of a load. The tubular structures may comprise one or more spring members configured to deflect with application of a load greater than a preconfigured threshold, thereby causing a locking state of the interface to change from a first locking state to a second locking state. Embodiments are described wherein such load may be a tensile and/or compressive load. Various embodiments are described wherein an interface may be locked without application of a load and unlocked upon application of the requisite load, or locked only after application of a load. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100305502 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEDICAL DEVICE ADVANCEMENT AND ROTATION - A system for moving an elongate medical device has at least one drive element for engaging and moving an elongate medical device. Various embodiments provide for moving the separate inner and outer elements of a telescoping medical device. Some systems also provide for the rotation of a rotatable distal element on a rotatable medical device or the rotation of extension element in a telescoping medical device. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20110004157 | STEERABLE TUBE - A steerable tube ( | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110015569 | Robotic catheter system input device - An input device for a robotic medical system includes a handle configured to be rotatable about a center axis, and to be longitudinally displaceable along the center axis. The input device also includes a deflection control element disposed on the handle and configured to selectively control deflection of the distal end of a flexible medical instrument electrically coupled to the input device. Longitudinal displacement of the handle may cause or result in a corresponding longitudinal motion or deflection of the flexible medical instrument. Rotation of the handle may cause or result in a corresponding rotation of the deflection plane. Longitudinal displacement and rotation of the handle may be detected or sensed electronically. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110021984 | Robotic catheter system with dynamic response - An apparatus for maintaining a robotic catheter system in a responsive state includes a catheter, a plurality of linear translatable control elements, and a controller. In an embodiment, the catheter includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and at least two steering wires. The steering wires may be configured at one end to control the movement of at least a portion of the distal portion of the catheter and at the other end for connection to a control member. In an embodiment, each control element may be configured to engage or interface with a respective control member, and the controller may be configured to measure a force exerted on at least one control member by a respective control element and further configured to linearly translate the control element to substantially maintain a force within a predetermined range. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110028894 | Remotely Controlled Catheter Insertion System - A system for remotely controlling the positioning within the body of a patient of an elongated medical device optionally having a control handle, comprises a robotic system and a remote controller configured to control the robotic device. The robotic system comprises a handle controller; a sled member coupled to the handle controller, the sled member being configured to position the medical device within the body of the patient; and a sled base configured to advance the sled member towards the body of a patient, the sled bed being coupled to a sterile barrier effective to maintain sterility inside the sled base. A medical device introducer is effective to guide the elongated medical device into a patient's body. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110077590 | Interface for Actuating a Robotic Manipulator from a Remote Position for Manoeuvring Steerable Catheters in the Human Cardiovascular System - Interface for actuating a robotic manipulator (B) from a remote position for manoeuvring steerable catheters (C) in the human cardiovascular system, comprising a casing ( | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110077591 | Telescopic Guide Device for Catheters to Facilitate Their Insertion Into the Human Cardiovascular System - Telescopic guide device ( | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110130718 | Remote Manipulator Device - A system for operating a catheter having a distal end adapted to be navigated in the body, and a proximal end having a handle with a translatable control and a rotatable control for acting on the distal end of the device includes a support for receiving and engaging the handle of the catheter; a translation mechanism for advancing and retracting the support to advance and retract a catheter whose handle is received in the support; a rotation mechanism for rotating the support to rotate a catheter whose handle is received in the support; a translation operator for engaging the translatable control of a catheter whose handle is received in the support and operating the translatable control to act on the distal end of the device; and a rotation operator for engaging the rotatable control of a catheter whose handle is received in the support and operating the rotatable control to act on the distal end of the device. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110166513 | Remotely Controlled Catheter Insertion System - A remotely controlled insertion system for a medical device is described. The system comprises a robotic device and a remote control mechanism. The robotic device has a handle controller to receive and hold the control handle or proximal end of a medical device. The medical device is capable of moving in up to six ranges of motion. In one embodiment a first motor is connected through a drive screw to a handle controller to move the medical device forward and backward. A second motor is connected to drive wheels effective to rotate the medical device clockwise and counter-clockwise. A third motor drives a series of gears that are connected to one or more control members on the medical device, this being effective to deflect a tip of the medical device so that movement of the third motor causes such deflection. A control unit is connected to all three motors. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110166514 | AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR THE CONTROLLED DEPLOYMENT OF NESTED CANNULA - A cannula control device ( | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110184345 | ERCP Catheter with a Removable Handle for Lithotriptor Compatible Basket - An ERCP catheter having a removable handle for a lithotriptor compatible basket is disclosed. The removable handle allows the catheter and handle assembly to be removed, leaving the basket in place within the duct and facilitates the use of a lithotriptor for mechanically crushing stone captured in the basket. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110224605 | ROBOTIC DEVICES WITH AGENT DELIVERY COMPONENTS AND RELATED METHODS - Various robotic devices and related medical procedures are disclosed herein. Each of the various robotic devices have an agent delivery component. The devices include mobile robotic devices and fixed base robotic devices as disclosed herein. The agent delivery component can have at least one agent reservoir and a discharge component in fluidic communication with the at least one reservoir. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110230828 | TUBING ASSEMBLY AND SIGNAL GENERATOR PLACEMENT CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USE WITH CATHETER GUIDANCE SYSTEMS - A tubing assembly having a signal generator placement control device for use in conjunction with electronic catheter guidance systems. The control device facilitates control of the position the guidance systems' signal generator relative to the end of the tubing assembly. The tubing assembly includes a tubular insulator coupled to one end of the control device, and the tubing assembly includes a tubular connector attached to the other end of control device. Also, the tubing assembly includes a catheter attached to the tubular connector and an end member attached to the catheter. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110264038 | INSERTION DEVICE - There is provided an insertion device allowing a doctor to alone perform an operation to insert a medical linear body. The insertion device, operated to insert a delivery wire ( | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110295199 | PLANNING AND ASSEMBLY OF COMPENSATING CONCENTRIC CANNULAS - A specification for a device including a set of concentric cannulas may be discovered to have an actual path different from a desired path, due to interactions between cannulas that effect net curvature of the device. The choice of particular cannulas may be corrected by performing a calculation taking into account curvature affecting properties of the individual cannulas including radius of curvature, elasticity, and moment of inertia. This calculation is preferably performed iteratively starting with a most distal cannula and iterating through the cannulas to the proximal end, accumulating net effect of curvature affecting properties. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110301536 | Electrophysiology/ablation catheter having second passage - A deflectable tip cardiac electrophysiology/ablation lumen catheter includes first and second passages, one of which communicates with an inflatable member or balloon. The second passage terminates in an opening or port downstream of the inflatable member. The second passage is adapted to introduce a liquid during an electrophysiology study while the inflatable member prevents backflow of an injected liquid or dye and blood, or is adapted to alternatively receive a guide wire or other medical device therethrough. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110319815 | FIBER OPTIC INSTRUMENT SENSING SYSTEM - Systems are described herein that improve control of a shapeable or steerable instrument using shape data. Additional systems use such shape data for improved mapping or adjusting models of the instrument. Such systems include robotic medical systems for controlling a shapeable instrument within an anatomical region having a controller, one or more actuators, and a localization system for guiding one or more shapeable instruments. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120035539 | MAGNETICALLY GUIDED CATHETERS - A magnetically-guided catheter includes a tip positioning magnet in the distal electrode assembly configured to interact with externally applied magnetic fields for magnetically-guided movement. A magnetically-guided mapping catheter includes an electrically-conductive capsule in the form of a casing that includes a distal ablation surface and isolates the positioning magnet from bio-fluids to prevent corrosion. An open irrigation ablation catheter includes an isolated manifold that isolates the positioning magnet from contact with irrigation fluid to prevent corrosion. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035540 | Event-based control of a lumen traveling device - Methods of controlling the operation of a device traveling in a body tube tree, including selecting a direction of travel based on information relating to a previous event associated with a possible direction of travel, implemented with a control system located partially or fully on the lumen traveling device. Various actions can be performed by the device for, e.g., medical or therapeutic purposes. Machine-readable media including instructions for performing the methods are also described. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120071821 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANIPULATING AN ELONGATE MEMBER - System and methods for manipulating and positioning elongated flexible members are described herein. In on variation, an elongate member manipulator includes an elongate member holder having first and second rotary members configured to hold an elongate member, wherein the rotary members are actuated in opposite rotational directions to generate a corresponding linear motion of the elongate member held by the rotary members along a longitudinal axis of the elongate member, and wherein the rotary members are actuated in opposite linear directions to generate a corresponding rotational motion of the elongate member held by the rotary members about the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120089089 | METHODS OF MAGNETICALLY GUIDING AND AXIALLY ALIGNING DISTAL ENDS OF SURGICAL DEVICES - A magnetic alignment and guidance system is described for use during a surgical or diagnostic procedure within a patient to align and magnetically join the free ends of catheters to form a continuous channel. The system includes two magnetic couplers mounted on the ends of the catheters. One or both of the catheters may be attached to a surgical or diagnostic device, such as a trocar or an endoscope. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120143127 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SHAPED MAGNETIC FIELD CONTROL FOR CATHETER, GUIDANCE, CONTROL, AND IMAGING - A variable magnet system for manipulating a magnetic catheter is described. In one embodiment, a cluster of electromagnets is configured to generate a desired magnetic field. In one embodiment, one or more poles of the cluster are moveable with respect to other poles in the cluster to allow shaping of the magnetic field. In one embodiment, one or more magnetic poles can be extended or retracted to shape the magnetic field. In one embodiment, the electromagnets can be positioned to generate magnetic fields that exert a desired torque and/or movement force on the catheter. In one embodiment, a magnetic field source is used to create a magnetic field of sufficient strength and orientation to move a magnetically-responsive catheter tip in a desired direction by a desired amount. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120172795 | INTUITIVE USER GUIDED CONFIGURATION ROUTINE - A user-guided configuration routine for use with a remote catheter guidance system configured to calibrate of one or more medical devices of the remote catheter guidance system with minimal user input. The user-guided configuration routine being configured to determine the appropriate configuration steps from diagnostic data received from the remote catheter guidance system or from a user. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120203168 | INSERTION DEVICE, TRAINING DEVICE, AND RECORDING SYSTEM - This insertion device is an insertion device for inserting a medical linear body in a vessel in a body, and it includes a drive device for moving the medical linear body in a direction of a longitudinal axis, a measurement device for measuring compressive force and pulling force in the direction of the longitudinal axis applied to the medical linear body, and a notification device for notifying an operator of compressive force and pulling force measured with the measurement device. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120209174 | Robotic catheter system and methods - The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120209175 | DRIVE ASSEMBLY FOR FACILITATING DEPLOYMENT OF AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A driver assembly ( | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120220931 | Remotely Controlled Catheter Insertion System - A remotely controlled insertion system for a medical device is described. The system comprises a robotic device and a remote control mechanism. The robotic device has a handle controller to receive and hold the control handle or proximal end of a medical device. The medical device is capable of moving in up to six ranges of motion. In one embodiment a first motor is connected through a drive screw to a handle controller to move the medical device forward and backward. A second motor is connected to drive wheels effective to rotate the medical device clockwise and counter-clockwise. A third motor drives a series of gears that are connected to one or more control members on the medical device, this being effective to deflect a tip of the medical device so that movement of the third motor causes such deflection. A control unit is connected to all three motors. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120226227 | COAXIAL CATHETER SYSTEM - A medical system includes first and second medical probes in an arrangement and configured for insertion into a lumen or vessel of a patient, the first medical probe having indicia, and a detector is fixedly coupled to the second medical probe and configured for insertion into and advancement through the lumen or vessel along with the second medical probe, wherein the detector detects passage of the indicia as the first and second medical probes are moved relative to each other within the lumen or body vessel. An electromechanical driver is coupled to, and operable to move the first and second medical probes. A system controller is configured for directing the electromechanical driver to move the first and second medical probes relative to each other within the lumen or body vessel based on signals received from the detector when the detector is positioned within the lumen or body vessel. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120232475 | Directional Anchoring Mechanism, Method And Applications Thereof - An anchoring mechanism and method for anchoring a device within a biological conduit include an expandable element configured for retaining the device at a desired angle relative to a central axis of the biological conduit. A steering mechanism is preferably provided for orienting the device prior to operation of the anchoring mechanism. The anchoring mechanism and method are employed in drug delivery devices, brachytherapy devices or for anchoring a catheter or sheath to provide a working channel for reliable guidance of a wide range of tools to a target location within the body. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120232476 | STEERING SYSTEM AND A CATCHER SYSTEM - A steering system ( | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120253275 | MULTI-PLANE MOTION CONTROL MECHANISM - A hand-holdable steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a housing and an actuation system. The actuation system is adapted for one-handed operation by a user, and it allows the user to achieve 360 degree articulation of the steerable distal portion. The actuation system can include a first actuator and a second actuator where the first and second actuators are movable with respect to each other. The first actuator can be at least partially disposed within the second actuator. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120253276 | ROBOTICALLY GUIDED CATHETER - A system is used for robotically controlling movement of a human-controllable catheter, wherein the catheter has a distal end and at least one position sensor for generating or receiving signals used for determining six dimensions of location and orientation information of the distal end of the catheter. The system uses a robotic control mechanism for holding and manipulating a human-controllable catheter and a computer operatively communicating with the robotic control mechanism for driving the robotic control mechanism to (i) translationally move a distal end of a human-controllable catheter in a vicinity of a target, (ii) deflect a distal end of a human-controllable catheter, and (iii) rotate a human-controllable catheter in a vicinity of a target. The computer determines roll of a human-controllable catheter using six dimensions of location and orientation information based on signals generated or received from at least one position sensor on a human-controllable catheter. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120265130 | MAGNETICALLY GUIDED CATHETER - A catheter includes a flexible tubing having a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter also includes an electrode assembly attached to the distal end of the flexible tubing and having a first magnet therein. The electrode assembly further includes an electrically conductive tip electrode and an electrically nonconductive coupler which is connected between the tip electrode and the distal end of the flexible tubing. The coupler and the tip electrode are coupled by an interlocking connection. The catheter also includes a second magnet spaced from the electrode assembly along a longitudinal axis of the tubing. The first magnet and the second magnet are responsive to an external magnetic field to selectively position and guide the electrode assembly within a body of a patient. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120265131 | DEVICE, ESPECIALLY TUBE OR CATHETER, FOR AT LEAST PARTIALLY INTRODUCING INTO A BODY PASSAGE - The invention relates to a device ( | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120289897 | NAVIGABLE SYSTEM FOR CATHETER BASED ENDOVASCULAR NEUROSURGERY - A navigable system for catheter based endovascular neurosurgery including: a micro-motor ( | 11-15-2012 |
| 20130018303 | ACTIVE CANNULA FOR BIO-SENSING AND SURGICAL INTERVENTION - A method for guiding a surgical cannula having a plurality of overlapping flexible tubes includes determining a desired cannula path; selecting the plurality of flexible tubes, wherein each of the flexible tubes within the plurality has a pre-formed curvature and a flexibility; determining a final overlap configuration of the plurality of flexible tubes such that a resulting curvature of the overlap configuration substantially corresponds to the desired cannula path; and determining a plurality of intermediate overlap configurations of the plurality of flexible tubes. Each of the intermediate configurations correspond to the desired cannula path. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130018304 | DEVICES FOR CLEARING BLOCKAGES IN IN-SITU ARTIFICIAL LUMENS - A device for the in situ clearing of blockages in a tube includes a controller and a clearing member. The controller can have a housing and an actuator for generating repetitive motion. The clearing member can be releasably coupled to the controller and suitable for insertion in the tube. The tube can be at least partially disposed within a living being. The controller can be located external to the living being. The clearing member can have a first end releasably coupled to the actuator, at least one flexible section which permits axial displacement of the clearing member, and a second end suitable for repetitively engaging and disrupting the blockage. The flexible section permits the clearing member to repetitively engage and disrupt the blockage within one of a straight and a curved portion of the artificial tube. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130018305 | DEVICES FOR CLEARING BLOCKAGES IN IN-SITU ARTIFICIAL LUMENS - A method for the in situ clearing of blockages in artificial tubes completely or partially disposed within a living being is described. The method includes coupling a first end of a releasably-securable flexible clearing member to a controller, inserting a second working end of the flexible clearing member into an opening in the artificial tube, energizing the controller such that said flexible clearing member experiences repetitive motion, and positioning the flexible clearing member such that the second working end of the flexible clearing member comes into repetitive contact with the blockage for clearing the blockage therein. The controller remains outside of the living being and the flexible clearing member clears the blockage when positioned within a straight portion or within a curved portion of the artificial tube. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130035636 | Delivery and Deployment Catheter for an Implantable Medical Device - A delivery catheter and method for delivering and deploying an implantable medical device include a mechanical latch by which the device can remain firmly attached at a single point of connection to the delivery catheter during deployment of the device. The delivery catheter provides simple yet firm control of the release mechanism to enable the clinician to confirm the accuracy of the deployment before releasing the tether or, if the placement of the device should be corrected, the tether can be maintained while the device is recaptured and repositioned or removed from the patient. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130053766 | Rotatable Tip for Endoscopic Medical Devices - Medical devices as well as methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include an elongate catheter shaft having a distal end. A tip member may be rotatably coupled to the distal end of the catheter shaft. The tip member may have a groove formed therein. The groove may extend along a portion of the circumference of the tip member. A control member may be coupled to the catheter shaft. The control member may be configured to engage the helical groove and rotate the tip member. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130053767 | METHOD OF MAKING AND USING AN APPARATUS FOR A LOCOMOTIVE MICRO-IMPLANT USING ACTIVE ELECTROMAGNETIC PROPULSION - Described is a locomotive implant for usage within a predetermined magnetic field. In one embodiment magnetohydrodynamics is used to generate thrust with a plurality of electrodes. In another embodiment, asymmetric drag forces are used to generate thrust. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130066266 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING THERAPEUTIC AGENTS TO SELECTED SITES IN A SUBJECT - Systems for delivering a therapeutic agent to a selected site in a subject are disclosed. These systems enable precise placement of selected amounts, e.g., very small amounts, of a therapeutic agent to a predetermined site or sites in a three dimensional array in a subject with minimal trauma to the subject. These delivery systems include a guide cannula for penetrating a selected site in a subject t a predetermined depth and a delivery cannula for delivering the therapeutic agent to the subject. The guide cannula has an axial bore extending therethrough with an open proximal end and an opening at a distal portion thereof. The delivery cannula has an axial bore extending therethrough, a flexible distal end portion, and an outer diameter which is less than the inner diameter of the guide cannula. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130096497 | CATHETERS WITH CONTROL MODES FOR INTERCHANGEABLE PROBES - A medical system including a catheter containing a mechanical system that is remotely operable uses a sensor to at least partly measure a pose of the catheter and a control system coupled to the mechanical system. The control system has multiple operating modes including one or more holding modes in which the control system operates the mechanical system to maintain a working configuration of the catheter based on feedback from the sensor. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130110041 | RELEASABLE TOP CAP ASSEMBLY | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130158476 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SYNCHRONIZING PHYSICAL AND VISUALIZED MOVEMENTS OF A MEDICAL DEVICE AND VIEWING ANGLES AMONG IMAGING SYSTEMS - A system and method for synchronizing movement of a device within a body with a desired movement of the device commanded through a user interface are provided: The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to determine a viewing angle of an imaging system that captures an image of the device within the body and generates the image on a display. The ECU is configured to receive a command through the user interface, the command indicative of the desired movement of the device on the display and to generate a control signal to control movement of the device within the body responsive to the command and the viewing angle. The ECU may further be configured to generate a model of a region of interest and illustrate the position of the device and to adjust a display angle of the model responsive to the viewing angle of the imaging system. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130158477 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SENSING FORCE ON A ROBOTICALLY CONTROLLED MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - A medical system comprises a medical probe including an elongated probe body, a lumen extending within the probe body, an axially flexible section, and a push-pull member slidably disposed within the lumen. The system comprises a ditherer mechanically coupled to the member for cyclically displacing it axially back and forth within the lumen, such that the ends of the probe body are axially displaced relative to each other via the axially flexible section. The system further comprises a sensor for sensing a force axially applied to the distal end of the probe body. A method comprises introducing a medical probe into a patient, axially dithering the distal end of the medical probe back and forth relative to the proximal end of the medical probe, and sensing a force applied between tissue of the patient and the distal end of the medical probe while the distal end is axially dithered. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130165854 | MULTI-USER TOUCH-BASED CONTROL OF A REMOTE CATHETER GUIDANCE SYSTEM (RCGS) - A control system for a medical remote catheter guidance system includes an ECU, a computer-readable memory coupled to the ECU, and user interface (UI) logic stored in the memory configured to be executed by the ECU. The user interface logic receives input from a touch screen display with respect to a view of an anatomical model, associates a user type with the input, and interprets the input according to the associated user type and input. The user interface logic may be further configured to receive simultaneous inputs from at least two different users and to associate different user types with each of said simultaneous inputs. The user interface logic may associate each input with a user type according to a location of the input on the touch screen display. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130165855 | STEERABLE MULTI-LINKED DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE WORKING PORTS - A steerable multi-linked device. The device includes a first multi-linked mechanism and a second multi-linked mechanism. The first mechanism defines a first plurality of grooves. The second mechanism defines a second plurality of grooves. The first and second pluralities of grooves cooperate to define at least two working ports along a length of the device. At least one of the first and second mechanisms are steerable. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130165856 | Rotate-to-Advance Catheterization System - An apparatus for accessing a bodily passageway includes: an endoscope including an insertion portion configured to inserted into the bodily passageway; a drive tube including a lumen configured to receive the endoscope; a helically-wound thread disposed on an outer wall of the drive tube and configured such that rotation of the drive tube causes the drive tube with the endoscope to move along the passageway; a flexible drive shaft configured to transfer rotary motion generated by a power supply; and a rotatable drive collar disposed on the endoscope and configured to rotate the drive tube relative to the endoscope, the rotatable drive collar including a stator, a rotor rotatable over the stator and detachably coupled to the drive tube, a rotary gear configured to transfer the rotary motion from the flexible drive shaft to the rotor to rotate the drive tube, and a watertight seal disposed between the stator and the rotor. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130218076 | MAGNETICALLY GUIDED CATHETER WITH CONCENTRIC NEEDLE PORT - A catheter adapted for ablation, mapping, injection, and directional control by an external magnetic system has a catheter body, an intermediate section, and a tip section having a tip electrode configured with an omnidirectional distal end and a concentric needle port. The tip electrode houses a magnetic device and a position sensor arranged in an integrated configuration, wherein the configuration facilitates a path in the tip section for a component, including an injection needle, to extend through the tip section for extension and retraction with reduced stress and friction. The integrated configuration is an efficient use of space in the tip electrode that allows the tip section to carry both the position sensor for determining location and orientation of the tip section and the necessary volume of magnetic or magnetizable material to accomplish magnetic navigation. The catheter also includes a very soft and flexible intermediate section and an even softer and more flexible distal transitional section carrying additional magnetic members to facilitate remote magnetic navigation. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130253423 | CATHETER OPERATING STRUCTURE - Provided is a catheter operating structure in which a medical device such as a stent is rotated to move forward or backward without being repeatedly pushed or pulled when inserted into the lumen of a human body, so that a surgical position can be precisely adjusted by the forward or backward movement. A rotary member includes a spiral shaft formed on a handle so as to be inserted into a tubular body. A movable member includes a female spiral end that is formed at one end thereof and is spirally coupled with the spiral shaft. An injection member moving member moves together with the movable member. When the spiral shaft is rotated by rotation of the handle with the spiral shaft spirally coupled to the female spiral end, the movable member moves forward or backward without being rotated due to the injection member moving member. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130274657 | WHEEL FOR ROBOTIC CATHETER SYSTEM DRIVE MECHANISM - A drive mechanism for a robotic catheter system including a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface is provided. The first engagement surface and second engagement surface are configured to engage a catheter device to allow the drive mechanism to impart motion to the catheter device. The first engagement surface is textured to facilitate gripping between the first engagement surface and the catheter device. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130281924 | Segmented instrument shaft with antirotation features - Deflectable instrument shafts are formed of a plurality of vertebral segments. One embodiment utilizes alternating segments, each of which has a first end or face contacting an adjacent segment along a first plane, and a second end or face contacting an adjacent segment along a second plane that is transverse to the first plane. In some embodiments, the alternating segments are first and second segments having differently shaped contacting ends/faces. In other embodiment the alternating segments are identical to one another but are positioned such that segments having their first contacting end/face facing distally are alternated with segments having their second contacting ends/faces facing distally. In other embodiments, embodiments having semi-spherical articulating surfaces are used. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20140081204 | Remotely Controlled Catheter Insertion System - Embodiment methods of treating a human or animal patient using a remotely controlled robotic catheter device including inserting a catheter handle of a catheter into a modular handle controller of the remotely controlled robotic catheter device, operating the catheter remotely with the remotely controlled robotic catheter device to introduce the catheter into a body of the patient, and performing a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure on the patient using the catheter. Diagnostic or therapeutic procedures may include a mapping procedure, an ablation procedure, an angioplasty procedure, a drug delivery procedure; an electrophysiology procedure, a radiological procedure, and a medical device implantation or positioning procedure. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140107569 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UNDERACTUATED CONTROL OF INSERTION PATH FOR ASYMMETRIC TIP NEEDLES - A needle steering system and apparatus provides active, semi-autonomous control of needle insertion paths while still enabling a clinician ultimate control over needle insertion. The present teaching describes a method and system for controlling needle path as the needle is inserted by precisely controlling the rotation of the needle as it continuously rotates during insertion. This enables underactuated 2 degree-of-freedom (DOF) control of the direction and the curvature of the needle from a single rotary actuator. Control of the rotary motion is therefore decoupled from the needle insertion. The rotary motion controls steering effort and direction, while the insertion controls needle depth or insertion speed. In one implementation, the proposed method does not require constant velocity insertion, interleaved insertion and rotation, or known insertion position or speed. The insertion may be provided by a robot or other automated method, may be a manual insertion, or may be a teleoperated insertion | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140107570 | ENDOLUMINAL SURGICAL TOOL WITH SMALL BEND RADIUS STEERING SECTION - An endoluminal surgical instrument has first and second steering controls on a handle. A flexible shaft attached to the handle has a distal steerable end including a first link and a second link separated by a plurality of intermediate links. First and second steering elements, such as pairs of steering wires, are linked to first and second steering controls and to the first and second links. One or more of the links is pivotable through an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to an adjoining link. The set back position of the second steering elements from the first steering elements, and the pivoting capability of the links allows the steerable end to be steered into a small bend radius. This makes the instrument highly maneuverable for use in endoluminal surgery, such as incision-less surgery of the stomach. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140155821 | Infiltration Uterine Catheter Assembly - The present disclosure relates to a medical device. In one aspect, the medical device includes a catheter assembly. The catheter assembly includes a first catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen disposed therethrough and a second catheter slidably disposed within the lumen of the first catheter, the second catheter having a distal end and a lumen disposed therethrough. The second catheter is moveable from a first position to a second position. A cervical seal is connected to the first catheter and the second catheter. A handle is engaged with the catheter assembly. In the first position, the cervical seal has a first outer diameter. In the second position, the cervical seal has a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter to create a seal in the cervix. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140171863 | HEMOSTASIS VALVE FOR GUIDE CATHETER CONTROL - An extension member is has a body with a proximal end and an opposing distal end. It includes a hollow lumen extending therethrough from the proximal end to the distal end. It has a female luer lock connector proximate its proximal end and a male luer lock connector proximate its distal end. Its body has an outer surface with a driven member. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140249472 | Devices and Methods for Clearing Occlusions and for Providing Irrigation in In-Situ Artificial and Natural Lumens - Devices and methods for the effective clearing of artificial tubes, for example, in-situ clearing of artificial tubes in a living being are covered in this disclosure. The devices and methods provide a controller comprising at least one actuator for generating repetitive motion, and a stem coupled to the at least one actuator. The stem includes at least one fluid source, a conduit member in fluidic communication with the fluid source, and a reciprocating member at least partially disposed within the conduit member and configured to accept the repetitive motion. The fluid source includes a deformable reservoir and/or a port. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140276389 | SELECTIVE GRIP DEVICE FOR DRIVE MECHANISM - A gripping device includes a housing having an outer periphery and a lumen wall arranged within the housing. The lumen wall may define a passage and the passage may be configured to receive an instrument. The lumen wall may have a flexible inwardly facing surface configured to grip the instrument in response to receiving a grip signal and release the instrument in response to receiving a release signal. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276390 | INTERVENTIONAL CATHETER ASSEMBLIES AND CONTROL COMPONENTS FOR INTERVENTIONAL CATHETER ASSEMBLIES - Interventional catheter assemblies and components providing improved operational control of interventional catheters and/or operating heads of interventional catheters are provided. In general, controllers incorporate at least two operator selectable control features for controlling operation of the interventional catheter and/or an operating head, and are housed independently of the interventional catheter operating systems and other control systems, which may be provided in a housing located or locatable at a proximal region of the interventional catheter. The controller may be both dockable in and removable from the housing, and is operable in both a docked condition and a removed condition, providing flexibility and mobility in operational control during an interventional procedure. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276391 | CATHETER INSERTION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF FABRICATION - A robotic instrument driver for elongate members includes a first carriage positionable on a bed and beside a patient access site for manipulating a first elongate member, and a second carriage positionable proximate the bed, the second carriage configured to articulate the first elongate member, wherein the second carriage is movable independent from the first carriage. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276392 | INPUT DEVICE FOR ROBOTIC CATHETER AND GUIDE WIRE SYSTEM - An input device for a robotic catheter system includes an inner member having a generally cylindrical shape and defining an axis, and an outer member coaxially disposed on the inner member and configured to rotate about and move along the axis defined by the inner member to control a position and orientation of at least one of a catheter and a guide wire. Rotating the outer member about the axis causes the catheter, the guide wire, or both, to rotate and wherein moving the outer member along the axis causes the catheter, the guide wire, or both, to advance or retract relative to a patient's body. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276393 | CATHETER SYSTEM - In a catheter system and method for assembly thereof, one end of a catheter shaft is inserted into a connector for a handle, with the connector being generally tubular and having a channel extending longitudinally therethrough. At least a lengthwise segment of the channel is sized in transverse cross-section greater than an outer cross-section of the catheter shaft. The catheter shaft is inserted into the channel of the connector such that the catheter shaft is spaced from the connector within the lengthwise segment of the channel. Adhesive is directed through a port in the sidewall of the connector into the lengthwise segment of the channel to flow circumferentially about the catheter shaft within the channel. The adhesive is allowed to cure and the connector (with the catheter adhered thereto) is retained on the handle. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140288496 | Rotate-to-Advance Catheterization System - An apparatus for accessing a bodily passageway includes: an endoscope including an insertion portion configured to inserted into the bodily passageway; a drive tube including a lumen configured to receive the endoscope; a helically-wound thread disposed on an outer wall of the drive tube and configured such that rotation of the drive tube causes the drive tube with the endoscope to move along the passageway; a flexible drive shaft configured to transfer rotary motion generated by a power supply; and a rotatable drive collar disposed on the endoscope and configured to rotate the drive tube relative to the endoscope, the rotatable drive collar including a stator, a rotor rotatable over the stator and detachably coupled to the drive tube, a rotary gear configured to transfer the rotary motion from the flexible drive shaft to the rotor to rotate the drive tube, and a watertight seal disposed between the stator and the rotor. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140309587 | TUBE CONTINUUM ROBOT AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING TUBE HAVING ANISOTROPIC PATTERNS - Disclosed herein are a tube continuum robot and a method for manufacturing a tube. More particularly, disclosed are a tube continuum robot and a method for manufacturing a tube, which is used in the tube continuum robot having a plurality of overlapping tubes and has anisotropic patterns for controlling the bending rigidity and torsional rigidity of the tube. In an embodiment, a tube continuum robot has a plurality of overlapping tubes, one or more of the plurality of overlapping tubes having a curved shape, wherein a plurality of anisotropic patterns are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the one or more tubes along the lengthwise or circumferential direction of the tubes. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140343488 | Nanotechnology and Other Small Scale Injectable Machines with MultiStage External Magnetic and Electrostatic Actuation - New nanotechnology and other small-scale devices for performing intravenous medical procedures are provided. In some aspect of the invention, a group of encapsulated injectable machines is delivered intravenously into a bloodstream via a syringe. A treatment area within a patient's body is specified and targeted for action by an external control system, which also monitors blood flow and other environmental. Externally applied magnetic and/or electrostatic signaling and direction devices controlled by the control system then trigger the release of encapsulation layers surrounding the injectable machines upon reaching the treatment area. The externally applied magnetic signaling and direction devices then drive the machines into treatment targets within the treatment area, exploiting an overall charge and polarity of the machines distinct from their condition during encapsulation. Pulsed magnetic fields then cause polarized moving parts within the machines to move counter to one another, with opposing angled edges breaking up the treatment target. In some embodiments, the machines may also or alternatively deliver a magnetically- or electrostatically-released medication or device to the treatment target. In still other embodiments, a local control unit within the devices may direct additional, more sophisticated actions, which actions may be directed or triggered by external signaling from the externally-applied magnetic signaling and direction devices, or other aspects of the external control system. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140350461 | AUXILIARY INSERTION AND REMOVAL TOOL AND ENDOSCOPE - A spiral rotary member includes a tubular main body section and a fin section. The spiral rotary member further includes a spiral tube section that is arranged on the main body section and arranged to be wound around a longitudinal axis in the same direction as the fin section or a direction opposite to the fin section; and a diameter change preventing section that prevents a diameter of the spiral tube section from expanding when the spiral tube section is wound in the same direction as the fin section, or prevents the diameter of the spiral tube section from contracting when the spiral tube section is wound in the direction opposite to the fin section. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20150065952 | COMPONENTS FOR MULTIPLE AXIS CONTROL OF A CATHETER IN A CATHETER POSITIONING SYSTEM - Various embodiments provide a catheter positioning device with components for controlling actuators of the catheter in multiple axes. A catheter may be attached to a sled member by a modular plate with one or more actuator interfaces that may couple with the actuators of a catheter handle. One or more motors or drives in the sled member may move the actuator interfaces of the modular plate to control one or more actuators on the catheter in different axes. In various embodiments the sled member may have a clam shell design in which two or more sides of the sled member close around the catheter handle. In further embodiments, the sled member may include adjustable faces that can fit different types of modular plates and thereby control actuators on different types of the catheter. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150073339 | ADJUSTABLE NOSE CONE FOR A CATHETER POSITIONING SYSTEM - Various embodiments enable an introducer for a catheter to be rotated around an axis and/or traversed backward and/or forward along the axis. In various embodiments, positioning of an introducer may be enabled by an introducer support configured to be rotated around an axis and/or extended or retracted along the axis. The introducer may be manually operated and/or operated by motors in a nose cone of a catheter positioning system. In various embodiments, a portion of the introducer support may be configured to flex. In other embodiment, positioning of an introducer may be enabled by an adjustable nose cone of a catheter positioning system. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150073340 | Single Hand Operated Remote Controller For Remote Catheter Positioning System - Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments provide a remote controller for a catheter positioning system configured to be operated with a single hand by a catheter positioning system operator. In an embodiment, the remote controller may include a thumb joystick control, first wheel control, and second wheel control. In an embodiment, the remote controller may include various visual indicators and/or haptic feedback mechanisms providing information to a catheter positioning system operator. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150073341 | STEERABLE DELIVERY SHEATHS - Steerable medical delivery devices and their methods of use. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150094653 | COMPONENTS AND METHODS FOR A CATHETER POSITIONING SYSTEM WITH A SPREADER AND TRACK - Embodiments include a spreader and a resealable delivery channel in a catheter positioning system configured to introduce a catheter into the resealable delivery channel. The spreader may have shapes configured to help users insert the spreader and a catheter into the resealable delivery channel and to retain the spreader and the catheter within the resealable delivery channel. The resealable delivery channel may be shaped to accommodate the spreader or catheter. The resealable delivery channel may include flexible plastic lips that are moveable to facilitate insertion of the spreader and a catheter into the resealable delivery channel. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150133856 | AUXILIARY INSERTION AND REMOVAL DEVICE - The spiral rotary member includes a main body section, a fin section that is disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the main body section and spirally arranged around a longitudinal axis C and an X-ray cutoff section that cuts off X-rays. The X-ray cutoff section is arranged so that a clear region to be clearly imaged by an X-ray and an unclear region to be unclearly imaged by X-rays are distinguished under X-ray observation in a periaxial direction of the longitudinal axis of the spiral rotary member, the X-ray cutoff sections being further arranged on the same straight line along a longitudinal axis direction of the spiral rotary member or the X-ray cutoff section being further arranged in the form of a band. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150141914 | CONTROL HANDLE FOR CATHETERS OR CANNULAS FOR MEDICAL USE - A control handle ( | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150327939 | ANTI-BUCKLING MECHANISMS FOR CATHETERS - A device is provided for preventing buckling of a flexible elongate member during insertion of the flexible elongate member. The device includes a support frame comprising a first end, a second end, and multiple pairs of support members. The support frame is configured to reversibly move from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration when the first and second ends are moved away from each other. The device also includes multiple open channels coupled to the multiple pairs of support members of the support frame. The multiple open channels are configured to allow the flexible elongate member to be top loaded into the multiple open channels. Also, the multiple open channels are maintained in an axial alignment as the support frame is moved between the expanded and collapsed configurations. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150374406 | Medical Intervention Apparatus - Disclosed is a medical intervention apparatus. The medical intervention apparatus includes a needle rotation unit configured to include a first needle rotation member, a second needle rotation member that is disposed to be separated from the first needle rotation member, and a first driver that drives the first and second needle rotation members to rectilinearly move in opposite directions and a needle insertion unit configured to insert a needle, which is inserted between the first needle rotation member and the second needle rotation member, into a target. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20160001043 | TUBING ASSEMBLY AND SIGNAL GENERATOR PLACEMENT CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USE WITH CATHETER GUIDANCE SYSTEMS - A tubing assembly having a signal generator placement control device for use in conjunction with electronic catheter guidance systems. The control device facilitates control of the position the guidance systems' signal generator relative to the end of the tubing assembly. The tubing assembly includes a tubular insulator coupled to one end of the control device, and the tubing assembly includes a tubular connector attached to the other end of control device. Also, the tubing assembly includes a catheter attached to the tubular connector and an end member attached to the catheter. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160008077 | Elongate Medical Part Guide Module | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160008574 | MEDICAL ROBOT IN PARTICULAR FOR GUIDING ELONGATE FLEXIBLE MEDICAL PARTS | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160022960 | ELONGATED MEMBER - An elongated member which is deflectable and hollow and which is configured for deflection that follows the shape of a biological organ for smooth movement within the organ. The elongated member includes: an operating member configured to deflect the elongated member or deform the elongated member into a linear state; and a deflection mechanism at least including a guide portion having a grooved portion formed thereon, an engaging portion engageable with the grooved portion and a supporting portion configured to support the engaging portion for relative movement on the guide portion; a gap being formed between the guide portion and the engaging portion so as to allow movement of the engaging portion in the grooved portion. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160030240 | MICROMANIPULATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A micromanipulation system includes a micromanipulator that includes a handpiece, and a micromanipulation tool that includes a tool shaft and is operatively connected to the handpiece. The micromanipulator further includes an actuator assembly connected to the micromanipulation tool to provide manual control of the micromanipulation tool, and a force sensing system comprising a force sensor attached to the tool shaft. The force sensing system is configured to provide an output signal that indicates a force imposed on the tool shaft. The micromanipulation system also includes a processor that is in communication with the force sensing system, and is configured to receive the output signal and compensate for forces due to actuation of the micromanipulation tool to determine a force due to interaction of the micromanipulation tool with a region of interest. The processor outputs an indication of at least one of a magnitude and a direction of the determined force. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160045709 | GUIDE WIRE OR WORKING CATHETER WITH MODIFIED DRIVE SURFACE - An elongated medical device with a modified drive surface for use with the driving mechanism of a robotic system. The elongated medical device has a distal portion configured to navigate the lumen of a human body channel and a proximate portion with a surface different from that of the distal portion and adapted to better interact with the driving mechanism than the surface of the distal portion. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160051794 | BLOOD VESSEL INTERVENTIONAL OPERATION CONDUIT OR GUIDE WIRE CONTROL DEVICE - A catheter or guide wire manipulating device for vascular intervention is provided, comprising a thumb component ( | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160067448 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NAVIGATING A GUIDE WIRE - A catheter procedure system includes a bedside system having a guide wire, a guide wire advance/retract actuator coupled to the guide wire and a guide wire rotate actuator coupled to the guide wire and a workstation coupled to the bedside system. The workstation includes a user interface, at least one display and a controller coupled to the bedside system, the user interface and the at least one display. The controller is programmed to advance the guide wire through a path using the guide wire advance/retract actuator, determine if the guide wire is in a desired path based at least on at least one image of a region of interest, rotate the guide wire using the guide wire rotate actuator if the guide wire is not in the desired path, wherein the guide wire is rotated a predetermined amount, and retract the guide wire using the guide wire advance/retract actuator. The steps of advancing the guide wire and retracting and rotating the guide wire using guide wire advance/retract actuator and the guide wire rotate actuator are repeated until the guide wire is in the desired path. The guide wire is advanced to a desired position using the guide wire advance/retract actuator. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160100860 | STEERABLE ENDOLUMINAL PUNCH - An endoluminal needle or punch is describes wherein the distal end of the endoluminal needle is able to articulate laterally out of the longitudinal axis of the steerable endoluminal needle. The endoluminal needle further comprise a blunted distal end configuration that is minimally traumatic. Under control by the user, at the proximal end of the endoluminal needle, a sharp stylet can be advanced to punch tissue and then be retracted to maximize safety. The endoluminal needle is configured for use within an introducer. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160129223 | PRINTED ELECTRODE CATHETER - An elongate medical device may comprise an elongate tubular body, an electrode, and a trace. The elongate tubular body may comprise a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the body defining a longitudinal axis. The electrode may comprise electrically-conductive ink extending circumferentially about a portion of the distal end portion. The trace may comprise electrically-conductive ink, electrically coupled with the electrode, extending proximally from the electrode. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160158494 | ROBOTIC CATHETER SYSTEM - A catheter system including a housing and a drive mechanism supported by the housing is provided. The drive mechanism includes an engagement structure configured to engage and to impart movement to a guide wire. The engagement structure defines a path for the guide wire, and the engagement structure is moveable between an engaged position in which the engagement structure engages the guide wire and a disengaged position in which the engagement structure does not engage the guide wire. The catheter system includes a biasing element configured to bias the engagement structure toward the engaged position, and the biasing element is aligned generally parallel to the path defined by the engagement structure. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160184552 | CATHETER OR GUIDE WIRE MANIPULATING DEVICE WITH TWO-POINT-CLAMPING FOR VASCULAR INTERVENTION - A catheter or guide wire manipulating device with two-point-clamping for vascular intervention is provided, comprising a thumb component ( | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160193445 | WHEEL FOR ROBOTIC CATHETER SYSTEM DRIVE MECHANISM | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160249787 | INSERTING INSTRUMENT, ROTARY UNIT AND INSERTING APPARATUS | 09-01-2016 |
| 20180020901 | INSERTION APPARATUS | 01-25-2018 |
| 20180021099 | Augmented Reality Catheter Interface | 01-25-2018 |
| 20190143077 | CATHETER DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MAKING THEM | 05-16-2019 |
