Patent ID: 6053922
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: A61B,F16C

Abstract:
A flexible shaft comprising an elongated tubular member of substantial wall thickness, said tubular member having:(i) a first end;(ii) a second end; and(iii) a center section, said center section being positioned between said first end and said second end, said center section having a slot extending in a generally helical serpentine path around and along said tubular member center section, said helical path having from about 1 to about 4 cycles per revolution, said slot having a substantial length and width of up to about 0.075 of an inch, said tubular member having a diameter in the range from about 0.15 to four inches, a helical angle of up to about 20 degrees, and a ratio of amplitude of said serpentine path to pitch in the range from greater than 0.1 to 0.5.