Flexible probe with adjustable tip

摘要

An instrument includes a handle portion, an actuator, a shaft, a rigid member, and an angular control mechanism. The shaft has a proximal end and a distal end with an electrode region, and a flexible region in between. Moving the actuator causes portions of the flexible region distal of a pivot region to bend such that an angular orientation and a radial offset of the electrode region reach an angular orientation and a radial offset, respectively, when the actuator reaches the end position. A distal portion of the rigid member defines the pivot region. Moving the rigid member along the shaft causes the pivot region to translate. The radial offset varies depending on the position of the pivot region.

主权项

1. A method of controlling a shaft of an instrument, the shaft including a flexible region and being coupled proximally to an actuator, wherein a movement of the actuator causes portions of the flexible region positioned distal of a pivot region to bend, the method comprising:
moving the actuator so that a distal end of the shaft bends to a first angular orientation and a first radial offset distance; translating a position of the pivot region from a first location along the shaft to a second location along the shaft different than the first location; and after translating the position of the pivot region, moving the actuator so that the distal end of the shaft bends to a second angular orientation and a second radial offset distance; wherein the first and second angular orientations are substantially equal and the first and second radial offset distances are different.