Catheter device having a selectively flexible housing

摘要

Disclosed herein is a catheter device which is operably positionable for use in a biological conduit. The catheter device includes a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end; a flexible housing; a work element and a sleeve. The housing connects to the distal end of the catheter body and holds the work element. The sleeve slidably mounts with housing for selectively reinforcing the housing to inhibit bending. Accordingly, the housing is normally flexible to facilitate insertion of the catheter device into a biological conduit. When the sleeve moves with respect to the housing, the sleeve reinforces the housing to facilitate operation of the work element.