Patent ID: 6579277
Filing Date: 2003-06-17
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
A variable stiffness medical device comprising,an ultrasonic medical device including an elongated flexible ultrasonic probe operating in a transverse mode having a length and an outer surface defining an outer dimension to support a transverse ultrasonic vibration along a portion of the length of the elongated flexible ultrasonic probe, a sleeve having a passage there through, said elongated flexible ultrasonic probe extending through said passage with said outer surface of said elongated flexible ultrasonic probe being engaged by said passage, said sleeve being slide-able along said elongated flexible ultrasonic probe, said sleeve comprising a thin-walled tube having a substantially constant outer dimension so as to minimize the increase in outer dimension of the elongated flexible ultrasonic probeat the portion thereof upon which the sleeve is positioned, wherein the variable stiffness medical device provides sufficient residual flexibility to allow for manipulation within an anatomical passage in a human body.