Patent ID: 8092374

Claim:
A variably flexible insertion device, comprising: a hollow body with a given length having a proximal end with an entrance for receiving an instrument, a distal end with a tip for protrusion of the instrument and inner and outer sleeves defining a space therebetween; a device for transitioning said hollow body between a relatively flexible condition and a relatively stiff condition; tendons in the form of wires disposed within said hollow body and extending substantially entirely over said given length and being free from at least one of said sleeves and at least partly surrounded by said space, wherein said tendons float in said hollow body when said hollow body is in said relatively flexible condition; vertebrae disposed within said hollow body and having one or more channel grooves that guide said tendons; and said transitioning device applying suction to said space such that said tendons are frictionally locked in place selectively to maintain said hollow body in said relatively flexible and relatively stiff conditions.