Patent ID: 6048329
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: A61B,A61M,C08L

Abstract:
A probe assembly, comprising:an outer member including a wall defining an interior bore having a distal end and a proximal end;an elongate body, defining a distal portion, a distal end, a proximal end, an interior and an exterior, carried within the outer member, the distal portion of the elongate body including at least one operative element, the interior of the elongate body having a flexible spline carried therein and extending from adjacent the distal end toward the proximal end, the flexible spline defining a first stiffness; anda control element defining a distal portion extending into the distal end of the elongate body and operably connected to the flexible spline at a location within the interior of the elongate body such that a portion of the control element is aligned with the distal end of the elongate body, and a proximal portion extending along the exterior of the elongate body within the outer member toward the proximal end of the outer member, at least the portion of the control element aligned with the distal end of the elongate body defining a second stiffness, the second stiffness being less than the first stiffness.