Rigidizable endoluminal access device

摘要

A rigidizable endoluminal access device includes a handle assembly 110, a flexible neck, a tip, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. Lumens are in fluid communication with entry ports located at the handle assembly and exit ports positioned on the tip. In one embodiment, entry ports and exit ports are angled with respect to one another. Lumens are configured to receive any suitable surgical instrument. The handle assembly includes an over-center toggle mechanism adapted to stiffen the flexible neck.

主权项

1. A rigidizable endoluminal access device, comprising:
a handle; a neck operatively connected to the handle, the neck having a flexible state and a rigid state; a stiffening mechanism disposed in mechanical cooperation with the neck, the stiffening mechanism including a cable extending along at least a portion of the neck and a collet having a bore adapted to slidably receive the cable, the stiffening mechanism configured to selectively tension and loosen the cable, thereby transforming the neck between the flexible state and the rigid state; and a lumen extending longitudinally along the access device, wherein the lumen is configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough, wherein the collet includes a collapsible portion configured to substantially hinder sliding movement of the cable through the collet when the collapsible portion is compressed against the cable.