Steerable rigidizing catheter systems and methods

A rigidizing catheter apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

• a rigidizing catheter that is configured to transition between a flexible state to a rigid state based on the application of pressure within a wall of the rigidizing catheter;
• and
• a pressure controller that is configured to apply or remove a fluid to control the pressure within the wall of the rigidizing catheter, wherein the pressure controller comprises a first input configured to release pressure from the wall of the rigidizing catheter at a first rate, and a second input configured to release pressure from the wall of the rigidizing catheter at a second rate that is less than the first rate to provide a gradual transition between the rigid and flexible states of the rigidizing catheter.

(canceled)

(canceled)

(canceled)

A system for removing clot, the system comprising:

• an outer rigidizing catheter having a flexible state and a rigid state;
• and
• an inner aspiration catheter configured to extend through and distally out of the outer rigidizing catheter, wherein the inner aspiration catheter comprise a highly flexible proximal region that extends at least 40% of a length of the inner aspiration catheter and has an effective bending stiffness of about 1.5 lb-inch2 or less, and wherein the inner aspiration catheter comprises a distal, less flexible region having an effective bending stiffness that is greater than about 2 lb-inch2.

-61. (canceled)