Systems and methods for use of a variable stiffness flexible elongate device
US11678788B2 · kind B2 · utility
1Cited by
11References
21Claims
0Family size
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Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jun 20, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 7, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2210/1057
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The following describes various applications and uses for a controllably rigidizable flexible device or sheath. Such rigidizing mechanisms can allow for a transition between a rigid state and a flexible state of a sheath. Rigidization can be applied along an entire length of a flexible sheath or along select portions of the sheath, and the rigidization can be of varying stiffness. Rigidization can be user controlled or automatically controlled using computer processes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.