Patent ID: 6942613
Filing Date: 2005-09-13
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for advancing a first diagnostic or therapeutic instrument into a hollow body organ of unsupported anatomy, the apparatus comprising: a handle; an overtube coupled to the handle, the overtube having proximal and distal ends, an exterior surface, an interior surface that defines a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends to permit passage of the first diagnostic or therapeutic instrument, a flexible state that facilitates insertion of the overtube into a hollow body organ, and a rigid state wherein the overtube resists bending forces exerted on the interior surface during insertion or withdrawal of the first diagnostic or therapeutic instrument through the lumen; and a tensioning system selectively operable to transition the overtube between the flexible and rigid states, the tensioning system having a fail-safe mode that reduces the risk of undesired reconfiguration of the overtube in the event of tensioning system failure.