Patent ID: 6074351
Filing Date: 2000-06-13
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
A probe, comprising:a probe body defining a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinally extending bore;a tip associated with the distal end of the probe body, the tip defining a distal end and a proximal end and being adapted to bend relative to the probe body;a user actuatable steering control device operably connected to the tip and adapted to apply a bending force to the tip; anda stiffening member associated with the probe body and the tip and defining a free distal end that is not operably connected to the tip, at least a portion of the stiffening member being movable between the proximal end of the tip and at least a first position between the distal and proximal ends of the tip to selectively increase the stiffness of the portion of the tip occupied by the stiffening member.