Systems and methods for use of a variable stiffness flexible elongate device
AssigneeIntuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
InventorsJoseph D. Bogusky, Kyle R. Miller, Randall L. Schlesinger, Serena H. Wong
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The following describes various applications and uses for a controllably rigidizable flexible, device or sheath, Such rigidizing mechanisms can allow for a transition between a rigid state and a flexible state of a sheath. Rigidization can be applied along an entire length of a flexible sheath or along select portions of the sheath, and the rigidization can be of varying stiffness. Rigidization can be user controlled or automatically controlled using computer processes.
Claims20
A system, comprising:
- an elongate device having a proximal end, a distal end, a plurality of segments positioned along a length of the elongate device between the proximal end and the distal end, and stiffening mechanisms, each of the stiffening mechanisms configured to selectively alter rigidity of one or more of the plurality of segments;
- and
- a flexible elongate instrument having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein one of the elongate device or the flexible elongate instrument includes a lumen and the other of the elongate device or the flexible elongate instrument is configured to be slidably disposed within the lumen for telescopic operation.
A method of using an elongate device having a proximal end, a distal end, a plurality of segments positioned along a length of the elongate device, a lumen that extends through the plurality of segments, and stiffening mechanisms, each of the stiffening mechanisms configured to selectively alter rigidity of one or more of the plurality of segments between a rigid state and a flexible state, the method comprising:
- conforming the elongate device to a desired shape while one or more of the stiffening mechanisms are maintained in a flexible state;
- controlling one or more of the stiffening mechanisms to maintain the elongate device in the desired shape;
- and
- telescopically sliding an elongate instrument along the lumen while the elongate device maintains the desired shape.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.