Patent ID: 9125639
Filing Date: 2015-09-08
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. A steerable-device for use in accessing a target site in a patient comprising: a steerable member having a proximal end and a sharp distal end with a longitudinal length therebetween, the steerable member having a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end, the distal end having a closed sharpened tip adapted to penetrate tissue so as to form a path through the tissue, wherein the steerable member defines an axial trajectory along the direction of the longitudinal length and extending distally from the distal end; and a steering mechanism axially affixable within the lumen of the steerable member so that the steering mechanism advances with the steerable member along the path and into the tissue when the distal end penetrates the tissue, a distal end of the steering mechanism remaining proximal to the distal end of the steerable member, the steering mechanism adapted to be operated by a user from a proximal end to apply a bending force to bend the steerable member when the steering mechanism is axially affixed in the lumen of the steerable member, the bending force configured to impose curvature in the steerable member between the proximal end and the distal end so as to reorient the path while the user advances the longitudinal length of the steerable member and the steering mechanism distally into the tissue along the path such that subsequent distal tissue penetrating advancement of the axially coupled steerable member and steering mechanism together within the tissue angles the path away from the trajectory suitably to access the target site; wherein the steering mechanism is removable from the distally advanced steerable member; and wherein the steerable member further comprises a port positioned along the longitudinal length of the steerable member and extending between an outer surface of the steerable member and the lumen of the steerable member.