| 摘要 |
Aspects of the invention relate to an apparatus for moving the esophagus having an elongate body having a distal tip, a controlled curvature section, and a flexible section. A handle is coupled to the flexible section having means for adjusting the curvature of the controlled curvature section. Additionally, the length of the controlled curvature section is less than the length of the thoracic portion of the esophagus. Alternatively, there is an apparatus for moving the esophagus having a flexible elongate body having a distal tip, a controlled curvature section, and a proximal section. A bendable element is within the controlled curvature section that, when bent, moves and holds the controlled curvature section into a corresponding bent shape. There is provided various methods of adjusting the curvature of the esophagus during a therapeutic procedure in a treatment area outside of the esophagus. The method includes positioning within the esophagus an elongate body having a distal tip, a controlled curvature section, and a flexible section wherein, the length of the controlled curvature section is less than the length of the thoracic portion of the esophagus. Next, adjusting the curvature of the controlled curvature section to increase the distance between the esophagus and a treatment area outside of the esophagus.
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