Patent ID: 8562517
Filing Date: 2013-10-22
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A device for introduction into a body passage, comprising: an elongate, flexible tubular inner body having an inner tube and an outer tube that surrounds the inner tube and that is radially spaced from the inner tube to define therebetween a first annular chamber which receives a pressurized fluid for extending the outer tube radially outwardly; an elongate, flexible tubular enveloping body that surrounds and envelops the tubular inner body at least partially along the length of the tubular inner body and that is radially spaced from the tubular inner body to define therebetween a second annular chamber; and a plurality of stiffening bands for transferring the device from a flexible state to a rigid state and vice versa, the stiffening bands being disposed in the second annular chamber and extending lengthwise along the second annular chamber in circumferentially spaced-apart relation to one another and being pressed against the tubular enveloping body by radial outward extension of the outer tube to place the device in its rigid state.