Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In a catheter system and method for controlling such a system, an elongate hollow shaft has a proximal end connected to a handle and a distal end remote from the handle. A working component is carried by the shaft and has at least one characteristic that is adjustable. An actuator is rotatably mounted on the handle for selectively adjusting at least one characteristic of the working component. A control line extends at least in part within the shaft. The control line operatively couples the actuator with the working component such that rotation of the actuator relative to the handle effects linear translation of the control line to adjust the at least one characteristic of the working component.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a handle and a catheter component operatively connected to the handle for selective adjustment by an actuator associated with the handle housing. The actuator comprises at least in part a generally cylindrical shuttle disposed at least in part within the housing for longitudinal movement. The catheter component is operatively coupled to the shuttle for movement therewith. The shuttle has an outer surface with an annular groove formed therein, and an elastomeric ring seated in the annular groove. An annular slide bearing is retained in the housing, with the shuttle being in part disposed in the annular groove and with the elastomeric ring in frictional contact with the slide bearing. Friction between the elastomeric ring and the slide bearing is sufficient to frictionally retain the shuttle at a selected longitudinal position relative to the housing corresponding to a selected adjustment of the catheter component.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a handle and a catheter component operatively connected to the handle for selective adjustment by an actuator associated with the handle housing. The actuator comprises at least in part a generally cylindrical shuttle disposed at least in part within the housing for longitudinal movement. The catheter component is operatively coupled to the shuttle for movement therewith. The shuttle has an outer surface with an annular groove formed therein, and an elastomeric ring seated in the annular groove. An annular slide bearing is retained in the housing, with the shuttle being in part disposed in the annular groove and with the elastomeric ring in frictional contact with the slide bearing. Friction between the elastomeric ring and the slide bearing is sufficient to frictionally retain the shuttle at a selected longitudinal position relative to the housing corresponding to a selected adjustment of the catheter component.

Abstract: In a catheter system and method for controlling such a system, a first working component is carried by a shaft and has at least one characteristic that is adjustable. A first control line extends within the shaft and operatively couples a first actuator with the first working component such that actuation of the first actuator acts on the first control line to adjust the first working component. A second control line separate from the first control line extends within the shaft and is operatively coupled to a second working component such that acting on the second control line adjusts at least one characteristic of the second working component. A compensator assembly is associated with the handle, with the second control line being operatively coupled to the compensator assembly. The compensator assembly is operable, in response to actuation of the first actuator, to inhibit slack from forming in the second control line.