Flexible steerable device for conducting exploratory procedures
US5759151A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jun 2, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/0051
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A flexible, steerable device for conducting exploratory procedures is disclosed. The device includes at least one spine, each having stiffening means for selectively rendering the spine rigid and flexible along its length. A flexible sheath surrounds the spine and is axially slidably moveable relative to the spine so that the sheath will follow and conform to the shape of a spine in the rigid state and resist further flexure when the spine is in a relaxed state. A steerable distal tip is provided on the distal end of the device. Controls for the distal tip are mounted on the proximal end of the device. Mechanisms are provided on the distal end of the device for selectively activating and deactivating the stiffening means of the spine. An instrument conduit may be mounted on the sheath.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.