Catheter control systems and methods
Example catheter control systems and methods are described. In one implementation, an apparatus includes a housing that includes a first lumen configured to receive a catheter, a second lumen configured to receive fluid, and a third lumen configured to allow the catheter and the fluid to pass through the third lumen simultaneously. A catheter controller is associated with the housing and controls movement of the catheter through the housing.
1 . An apparatus comprising:
a housing comprising:
a first lumen in the housing configured to receive a catheter;
a second lumen in the housing configured to receive a fluid;
a third lumen in the housing configured to allow both the catheter and the fluid to pass through the third lumen simultaneously, wherein the catheter enters the housing through a first opening in the housing and exits the housing through a second opening in the housing;
a catheter controller associated with the housing, wherein the catheter controller controls movement of the catheter through the housing; and
a manifold associated with the housing, wherein the manifold is configured to merge the first lumen, the second lumen, and the third lumen.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the housing is configured to support single-handed control of the catheter by a human operator.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the catheter controller includes at least one of a wheel or a slider capable of control by a human operator.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second lumen is configured to receive fluid from a fluid source.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the catheter controller is configured to control movement of the catheter through a human body.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fluid is outside an outer surface of the catheter when passing through the third lumen.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the catheter controller is configured to control movement of the catheter through the housing in a first direction that moves the catheter toward a patient and in a second direction that moves the catheter away from the patient.
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the catheter is configured to pass a second fluid through the catheter.
9 . An apparatus comprising:
a housing comprising:
a first lumen in the housing configured to receive a catheter;
a second lumen in the housing configured to receive a fluid;
a third lumen in the housing configured to allow both the catheter and the fluid to pass through the third lumen simultaneously;
a catheter controller associated with the housing, wherein the catheter controller is configured to control movement of the catheter through the housing in a first direction that moves the catheter toward a patient and in a second direction that moves the catheter away from the patient; and
a manifold associated with the housing, wherein the manifold is configured to merge the first lumen, the second lumen, and the third lumen.
10 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the catheter enters the housing through a first opening in the housing and exits the housing through a second opening in the housing.
11 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the fluid is outside an outer surface of the catheter when passing through the third lumen.
12 . The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the catheter is configured to pass a second fluid through the catheter.
13 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the housing is configured to support single-handed control of the catheter by a human operator.
14 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the catheter controller includes at least one of a wheel or a slider capable of control by a human operator.
15 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the catheter controller is configured to control movement of the catheter through a human body.