Auto lock for catheter handle
The present invention is a catheter actuation handle for deflecting a distal end of a tubular catheter body, the handle including an auto-locking mechanism. The handle comprises upper and lower grip portions, an actuator, and an auto-locking mechanism. The auto-locking mechanism is adapted to hold a deflected distal end of the catheter in place without input from the operator. When the distal end of the catheter is deflected from its zero position, it typically will seek a return to its zero position, and as a result exerts a force on the actuator. The auto-locking mechanism acts by providing a second force that resists this force from the distal end and holds the distal end in place. As a result, the operator does not need to maintain contact with the buttons to maintain the distal end in a set position once placed there by actuating the actuator.
1. A catheter handle for use with a catheter, the handle comprising
a grip portion;
an actuator that is bi-directionally displaceable via operator input from a neutral position laterally relative to the grip portion; and
an auto-locking mechanism having a single operational state in which it generates a force sufficient to hold the actuator in a displaced position.
2. The catheter handle of claim 1 wherein the auto-locking mechanism comprises a bushing.
3. The catheter handle of claim 2 wherein the bushing is comprised of brass.
4. The catheter handle of claim 3 wherein the auto-locking mechanism further comprises a fastener, and a base for receiving the fastener.
5. The catheter handle of claim 3 wherein the load path of the auto-locking mechanism does not include the grip portion.
6. The catheter handle of claim 1 wherein the auto-locking mechanism includes a tensioning member.
7. The catheter handle of claim 6 wherein the tensioning member includes a Belleville washer.
8. The catheter handle of claim 6 wherein the tensioning member includes a spring.
9. The catheter handle of claim 1 wherein the auto-locking mechanism includes a grip activated locking mechanism.
10. The catheter handle of claim 1 wherein the auto-locking mechanism includes a friction wheel.
11. The catheter handle of claim 6 wherein the handle further comprises a grip portion, and wherein the load path of the auto-locking mechanism does not include the grip portion.
12. A catheter comprising
a catheter shaft with a proximal portion and a distal portion;
a handle attached to the proximal portion, the handle comprising
a grip portion;
an actuator that is bi-directionally displaceable via operator input from a neutral position laterally relative to the grip portion; and
an auto-locking mechanism having a single operational state in which it generates a force sufficient to hold the actuator in a displaced position.
13. The catheter of claim 12 wherein the auto-locking mechanism comprises a bushing.
14. The catheter of claim 13 wherein the bushing is comprised of brass.
15. The catheter of claim 14 wherein the auto-locking mechanism further comprises a fastener, and a base for receiving the fastener.
16. The catheter of claim 14 wherein the load path of the auto-locking mechanism does not include the grip portion.
17. The catheter of claim 12 wherein the auto-locking mechanism includes a tensioning member.
18. The catheter of claim 17 wherein the tensioning member includes a Belleville washer.
19. The catheter of claim 12 further comprising a second actuator and a second auto-locking mechanism.
20. The catheter of claim 19 wherein the second auto-locking mechanism comprises a tensioning member.
21. The catheter of claim 12 where moving the actuator from a preliminary position to a second position deflects the distal portion of the catheter from a resting position to a deflected position, and wherein the auto-locking mechanism is adapted to retain the actuator in its second position without operator input.
22. A system comprising
a catheter having a catheter shaft with a proximal portion and a distal portion;
a handle attached to the proximal portion, the handle comprising a user-operated actuation means and means for generating a force sufficient to retain the actuation means into a position set by an operator, wherein the force-generating means maintains a substantially constant force on the actuation means.
23. The system of claim 22 further comprising a second actuation means and a second means for locking the second actuator into a second position set by an operator.
24. A catheter comprising
a catheter shaft with a proximal portion and a distal portion;
a handle attached to the proximal portion, the handle comprising a user-operated actuator and a means, having a single mode of operation, for automatically generating a substantially constant force sufficient to retain the actuator in a position set by an operator.