A rigidizable medical device may include an inner element and an outer element. The outer element of the device may be positioned at least in part around the inner element so as to define a space radially between the inner element and the outer element. The medical device may further include a stiffening material positioned in the space between the inner and outer elements. The stiffening material may be transitionable between a first relatively compliant state and a second relatively stiff state, upon a change in energy applied to the stiffening material. In the first state of the stiffening material, at least a portion along a length of the device where the stiffening material is located is flexible. In the second state of the stiffening material, at least the portion along the length of the device where the stiffening material is located is rigidized.
