In a remote control system and method for use in intraluminally or intravascularly located operations, an invasive element to which a remote control unit (RCU) is attached is introducible into a lumen. An elongated tube, to which an activation device is affixed near a distal end, is feedable into the lumen via the invasive element. The RCU is positionable within transmission range of an actuator for the activation device. An operator manipulating the tube with one hand to receive a tactile sensation and engaging the RCU with another hand simultaneously views the tube distal end on a monitor, and depresses an RCU button to actuate the activation device after determining that a body portion is in need of a corrective action. In one embodiment, the RCU comprises a shell for securing the invasive element, facilitating application of a reactive force to the shell by a finger during an operation.