Protected control console apparatuses

Abstract

An apparatus for control of a procedure, comprising: a communications interface; a control console, wherein the control console is adapted to provide control commands via the communications interface to at least one of: at least one imaging device or at least one medical instrument used to perform the procedure; and, at least one radiation shield attached to the control console and positioned between the control console and a patient on which the procedure is being performed, wherein the apparatus is separately movable from at least one of the at least one imaging device, the patient or the at least one medical instrument.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for control of a procedure, comprising:
 a communications interface;   a control console, wherein the control console is adapted to provide control commands via the communications interface to at least one of: at least one imaging device or at least one medical instrument used to perform the procedure; and,   at least one radiation shield attached to the control console and positioned between the control console and a patient on which the procedure is being performed,   wherein the apparatus is separately movable from at least one of the at least one imaging device, the patient or the at least one medical instrument.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is adapted for remote control of at least one of the at least one imaging device or the at least one medical instrument. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a radiation protective window adapted to allow a view of the patient when operating the control console. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the control console is removably attached to the apparatus. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one imaging device is an x-ray, a camera, ultrasound, CT or MRI imaging device. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one medical instrument is a guide wire, a catheter, an ablation catheter, an EM mapping catheter, a pacing catheter, or a balloon. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the communications interface is adapted to provide communication between the control console and an information network. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the communications interface is adapted to provide wireless communication from the control console to at least one
 of: the at least one imaging device or the at least one medical instrument used to procedure or an information network.   
     
     
         9 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the control console is comprised of at least one input device, at least one output device and a controller. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the at least one input device is a keyboard, a touch screen display, a mouse or a joystick. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the at least one output device is a graphical display or a force feedback device. 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a power supply. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising an emergency stop button. 
     
     
         14 . A medical device control system for remote control of a medical instrument, comprising:
 at least one medical instrument;   a control console assembly including a communications interface providing control commands for the remote control of the medical instrument; the control console further including a shield being positioned between at least a portion of the communications interface and the medical device manipulator, the shield being transparent and formed of a material substantially preventing radiation from being passed therethrough.   
     
     
         15 . The system according to  claim 14 , wherein the control console assembly is provided with mobility by at least one of at least one wheel or a motorized track. 
     
     
         16 . The system according to  claim 14 , wherein the at least one medical instrument is part of a bed side unit. 
     
     
         17 . The system according to  claim 14 , further including panels operatively secured to the control console assembly to prevent radiation from passing therethrough. 
     
     
         18 . The system according to  claim 14 , further comprising an output device adapted to display output from at least one imaging device employing radiation. 
     
     
         19 . A method for the remote control of at least one medical instrument for use in a medical procedure on a patient comprising:
 providing at least one remote controlled medical instrument proximate to the patient;   providing a control console assembly having a communication interface for   sending signals to the remote controlled medical instrument, the control console assembly including a transparent shield being formed of a material preventing radiation from passing therethrough;   moving the control console assembly from a first position to a second position to allow an operator to view a patient through the shield; and   controlling the at least one medical instrument from behind the shield using the control console assembly in order to perform the medical procedure.   
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein moving comprises positioning the control console assembly in a second location for performing a medical procedure on a second patient.