A conduit puncture alert method and apparatus are provided for a medical instrument having a flexible conduit through which a medical procedure is performed. In one embodiment, the flexible conduit is inserted into a subject. A highest degree of curvature of the conduit within the subject is sensed. A warning signal is then provided upon a condition that a curvature is sensed that exceeds a predetermined limit reflective of a maximum curvature permissible for a selected tool to be inserted through the conduit while avoiding puncturing of the conduit by the selected tool. For example, the method can be conducted with respect to a bronchoscope during a bronchoscopic procedure where a needle tool is to be used and the warning is given with respect to that tool when a conduit curvature is sensed that exceeds a predetermined limit determined with respect to the needle tool.
