Kevin Smith,Derek Deville,Korey Kline,Matthew Palmer
申请号：
US11804843
公开号：
US08556804B2
申请日:
2007.05.21
申请国别(地区):
US
年份:
2013
代理人:
摘要：
A torque-transmitting, variably-flexible insertion device includes a hollow body having a proximal end with an entrance for receiving an instrument and a distal end with a tip for protrusion of the instrument. A vacuum-activated device transitions the hollow body between a relatively flexible condition and a relatively stiff condition. A torque braid transmits torque from the proximal end toward the distal end. A method for transmitting torque and variably flexing the insertion device includes transmitting torque along the hollow body with the torque braid, applying suction to create a vacuum in the hollow body for placing the hollow body in the relatively stiff condition, and relieving the vacuum for placing the hollow body in the relatively flexible condition.
