Method and apparatus for endoscopy

An endoscopic apparatus, comprising:

• a steerable tool including a first flexible tube concentrically nested within a second flexible tube;
• a third flexible tube, wherein the steerable tool is disposed within and axially movable relative to the third flexible tube;
• a rigid tube, wherein the third flexible tube is disposed within and axially movable relative to the rigid tube;
• an image sensor disposed on a distal end of the steerable tool;
• one or more light sources disposed on the distal end of the steerable tool;
• and
• a user interface,
• wherein the first flexible tube includes a first deflectable portion, the second flexible tube includes a second deflectable portion, the first and second deflectable portions being selectively weakened portions of the first and second flexible tubes that are angularly oriented, relative to a longitudinal axis of the steerable tool, in directions that are offset from each other by an angle equal to or less than one-hundred and eighty degrees, and
• wherein the steerable tool is actuable to form a bend by axial translation between the first flexible tube and the second flexible tube,
• wherein a proximal end of the steerable tool is secured to the user interface, and
• wherein the user interface is a handle that includes:
• a lever;
• and
• a mechanical transmission that converts a rotary motion of the lever to relative linear translation between the first flexible tube and the second flexible tube, such that the steerable tool is actuated to form the bend.

A method of accessing a region within a middle ear cavity of a patient, comprising:

• providing a steerable tool, the steerable tool including a first flexible tube concentrically nested within a second flexible tube;
• providing at least a portion of a rigid tube within a nasal passageway that interfaces with the middle ear cavity via a Eustachian tube intermediate the nasal passageway and the middle ear cavity;
• extending a third flexible tube through an inner lumen of the rigid tube, such that at least a portion of the third flexible tube projects out of an opening formed by a distal end of the rigid tube, and a distal end of the third flexible tube is displaced along the Eustachian tube toward the middle ear cavity;
• extending the steerable tool through an inner lumen of the third flexible tube, such that at least a portion of the steerable tool projects out of an opening formed by the distal end of the third flexible tube, and a distal end of the steerable tool is positioned within the middle ear cavity;
• and
• actuating the steerable tool to form a bend, such that the distal end of the steerable tool is steered toward the region within the middle ear cavity,
• wherein a proximal end of the steerable tool is secured to a user interface, and
• wherein the user interface is a handle that includes:
• a lever;
• and
• a mechanical transmission that converts a rotary motion of the lever to relative linear translation between the first flexible tube and the second flexible tube, such that the steerable tool is actuated to form the bend.