System for guide catheter control with introducer connector

Abstract

An introducer assembly for introducing a catheter into a patient, includes a sheath having a distal end and a proximal end with a hollow lumen extending between the distal end and proximal end. The assembly also includes a coupler having a distal end operatively coupled to the proximal end of the sheath, the coupler having an internal passage in fluid communication with the hollow lumen. The assembly further includes a connector having a distal end operatively coupled to the coupler proximate the distal end of the coupler.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A robotic catheter system comprising:
 a coupler having a distal end configured to operatively couple to a sheath, the coupler including a proximal end;   a connector including a body portion, a first connection member and a second connection member, the first connection member coupled to the proximal end of the sheath, the connector defining a pathway between the first connection member and the second connection member, the body portion being configured to expand and contract along a longitudinal axis of the connector upon application of a force applied to at least one of a proximal end of the connector and a distal end of the connector;   a track coupled to the second connection member; and   a catheter extending at least through the connector from the track to the coupler.   
     
     
         2 . The robotic catheter system of  claim 1 , wherein the connector including a region of alternating ridges and grooves proximate the first connection member. 
     
     
         3 . The robotic catheter system of  claim 2 , wherein the region of alternating ridges and grooves is a fixed region, the fixed region permitting a collapse and an expansion of the connector. 
     
     
         4 . The robotic catheter system of  claim 2 , wherein the region of alternating ridges and grooves is an accordion region having an accordion shape. 
     
     
         5 . The robotic catheter system of  claim 4 , wherein the accordion region expands and contracts along a longitudinal axis of the connector upon application of a force applied to at least one of a proximal end of the connector and a distal end of the connector. 
     
     
         6 . The robotic catheter system of  claim 2 , wherein the connector includes a breakaway portion. 
     
     
         7 . The robotic catheter system of  claim 6 , wherein the breakaway portion is a friction connection. 
     
     
         8 . The robotic catheter system of  claim 2 , wherein the first connection member and second connection member separate once a predetermined force is applied to the connector. 
     
     
         9 . The robotic catheter system of  claim 2 , wherein the connector is coupled to an introducer, the introducer including the sheath. 
     
     
         10 . The robotic catheter system of  claim 9 , wherein the catheter extends through the introducer and the track. 
     
     
         11 . The robotic catheter system of  claim 10 , wherein the ridges and grooves form accordion folds that collapse or expand to permit the connector to have a greater or lesser distance between the track and the introducer. 
     
     
         12 . The robotic catheter system of  claim 2 , wherein the connector moves upon a predetermined compressive force applied to a distal end and a proximal end of the connector. 
     
     
         13 . The robotic catheter system of  claim 1 , wherein the body portion includes,
 a first portion, and   a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being separated by an adjustable distance.   
     
     
         14 . The robotic catheter system of  claim 13 , wherein the connector further includes,
 an expanding member coupled to the first portion and the second portion, the expanding member permitting the first portion and the second portion to move away or towards each other.   
     
     
         15 . The robotic catheter system of  claim 14 , wherein the expanding member includes at least one pivot. 
     
     
         16 . The robotic catheter system of  claim 15 , wherein the expanding member further includes a spring bias to bias the first portion and the second portion to predetermined position. 
     
     
         17 . The robotic catheter system of  claim 15 , wherein the connector further includes a breakaway portion. 
     
     
         18 . The robotic catheter system of  claim 17 , wherein the breakaway portion permits the expanding member to separate from at least one of the first portion or the second portion upon a predetermined compressive force applied to the connector. 
     
     
         19 . The robotic catheter system of  claim 13 , wherein the connector is coupled to an introducer, the introducer including the sheath. 
     
     
         20 . The robotic catheter system of  claim 19 , wherein the catheter extends through the introducer and the track.