Patent attributes
A robotic medical system comprises an operator control station having a master input device, a catheter instrument, and an instrument driver in communication with the operator control station. The catheter instrument includes an elongate flexible catheter member, a flexible control element extending within the catheter member, and a proximal drivable assembly configured to axially move the control element relative to the catheter member to perform a kinematic function at a distal end of the catheter member. The instrument driver is configured to operate the drivable assembly to axially move the control element in response to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. The drivable assembly is mounted to the instrument driver, thereby providing mechanically close relationship between the drivable assembly and the instrument driver.
