Patent ID: 8246575
Filing Date: 2012-08-21
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for insertion into a body cavity comprising: an elongated body including a distal end, a proximal end and a length therebetween defining an axis, at least a portion of the distal end of the elongated body being flexible; an end effector disposed at the distal end of the elongated body; a support member interconnecting the end effector to the distal end of the elongated body; a pair of tensile elements extending from the proximal end of the elongated body to the distal end of the elongated body and coupled to the end effector; and a control member coupled to a proximal end of the tensile elements, the control member being operable to impart tension in each of the tensile elements to change the flexible portion of the elongated body to a substantially rigid condition, and wherein the control member is operable to move the end effector independently of the flexible portion of the elongated body when the flexible portion of the elongated body is in the rigid condition by varying the tension in one of the tensile elements in relation to tension in the other of the tensile elements.