Abstract: A method for retracting a sheath from over an expandable medical device. The method includes rotating a lever, which protrudes from a shell of a handle, proximally, such that the lever proximally moves, by a first distance, a carriage disposed within the shell and coupled to the sheath. Subsequently to rotating the lever, the lever slides proximally such that the lever moves the carriage proximally by a second distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for retracting a sheath from over an expandable medical device includes a shell, configured to couple to a longitudinal element, a carriage disposed within the shell and configured to couple to the sheath, and a lever protruding from the shell. The lever is configured to retract the sheath while a distal end of the longitudinal element contacts the expandable medical device, by rotating proximally so as to move the carriage proximally by a first distance, and, subsequently to rotating proximally, sliding proximally so as to move the carriage proximally by a second distance. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A force sensor assembly for use in the field of cardiac ablation, for the ablation-based treatment of atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrhythmias. Various embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a catheter distal force sensor for measuring catheter tip-to-endocardial wall force by measuring displacement of irradiation patterns sensed with a two-dimensional imaging sensor. The disclosed devices sense an array of irradiation pattern characteristics, including changes in size and location of irradiation shapes of the irradiation pattern. In some embodiments, multiple irradiation spots are tracked with the two-dimensional imaging sensor to infer the components of a reaction force vector acting the force sensor assembly. The disclosed force is designed to accommodate typical catheter tip dimensions, the outer diameter of these usually being less than or equal to 9 French (3 mm).

Abstract: An apparatus for retracting a sheath from over an expandable medical device includes a shell, configured to couple to a longitudinal element, a carriage disposed within the shell and configured to couple to the sheath, and a lever protruding from the shell. The lever is configured to retract the sheath while a distal end of the longitudinal element contacts the expandable medical device, by rotating proximally so as to move the carriage proximally by a first distance, and, subsequently to rotating proximally, sliding proximally so as to move the carriage proximally by a second distance. Other embodiments are also described.