ENDOSCOPIC TRANSLUMENAL ARTICULATABLE AND STEERABLE FLEXIBLE OVERTUBE

摘要

Apparatus, system, and method for use with an endoscope are disclosed. A flexible overtube (12) having a proximal end and a distal end defines a hollow lumen therebetween to receive a flexible shaft portion of an endoscope (14) therein. The proximal end (17a) of the flexible overtube is configured to remain outside of a patient and the distal end (17b) is configured to enter the patient through a natural orifice. At least one fluid tight seal (26) is located at the proximal end of the flexible overtube to prevent leakage of fluids around the flexible shaft of the endoscope when the flexible shaft of the endoscope is positioned within the flexible overtube. The system further includes a flexible endoscope. An apparatus having an elongate hollow metal body extending along a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The hollow body defines a central opening and has a predetermined wall thickness. A pattern of laser cut slits is formed into the body. The slits define a plurality of articulatable elements. The plurality of articulatable elements enable active articulation of the body in a first plane and passive deflection in planes orthogonal to the first plane.