Patent ID: 8608736
Filing Date: 2013-12-17
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for performing a procedure within a patient's body, comprising: a tubular member comprising a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, a central region extending therebetween, and a distal portion extending distally from an intermediate portion to the distal end; at least one accessory lumen and a steering element lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end, the steering element lumen offset from the central region within the distal portion, thereby defining a steering plane intersecting the steering element lumen and the central region; the distal portion comprising a core member extending between the intermediate portion and the distal end comprising a portion of the steering element lumen therein offset from and extending substantially parallel to the central region, and a pair of stabilization elements embedded in the core member creating a stabilization plane extending between the stabilization elements that intersects the steering plane; and a steering element slidably disposed within the steering element lumen comprising a distal end fixed to the tubular member distal end and a proximal end coupled to an actuator on the tubular member proximal end such that, actuation of the actuator applies axial tension or compression to the steering element, thereby causing the distal portion to deflect substantially within the steering plane.