Patent ID: 9095317
Filing Date: 2015-08-04
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a plurality of flexible axial members connected to each other, wherein each axial member forms a longitudinal segment of a tube, and wherein the axial members are longitudinally slidable relative to each other, the plurality of flexible axial members comprising a first member and a second member contacting each other, each of the plurality of axial members comprising a proximal end and a distal end; and an actuation mechanism coupled to the proximal ends of the plurality of axial members, the actuation mechanism configured to longitudinally slide the first member relative to the second member to change a radius of curvature of the first member relative to a radius of curvature of the second member; wherein changing the radius of curvature of the first member relative to the radius of curvature of the second member causes the tube to bend in pitch and yaw.