Patent ID: 10779803

Abstract:
A minimally invasive system comprises an elongate instrument that includes a flexible proximal portion, a rigid distal portion, and a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the elongate instrument. The lumen defines a longitudinal axis of the elongate instrument. The flexible proximal portion is fixedly coupled to the rigid distal portion. The system further comprises a stylet slidably disposed within the elongate instrument. The stylet includes a flexible body fixedly coupled to a steerable portion and includes a sensor. The stylet is movable within the elongate instrument between a retracted condition and an extended configuration. A plurality of actuation cables extend through the stylet and terminate in the steerable portion, which comprises a bend-resistive section and a bendable section. The bendable section includes a plurality of articulable segments linked by the actuation cables and includes a plurality of joint pivots disposed between adjacent articulable segments.