Patent ID: 6652536
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An instrument comprising:a longitudinally extending support defining an axis, the support having a flexible distal section having an uncompressed state and a compressed state, the flexible distal section defining a first path relative to the axis when in the compressed state; a core-wire extending along the axis and anchored to the flexible distal section, the core-wire having a relaxed state and a tensioned state, the core-wire defining a second path relative to the axis when in the relaxed state; and an actuator engaged to a proximal end of the core-wire for selectively applying a tensile force thereto, the tensile force causing the core-wire to transition from its relaxed state, in which the flexible distal section is in its uncompressed state, to its tensioned state, in which the flexible distal section is in its compressed state.