CATHETER INSERTION SHEATH WITH ADJUSTABLE FLEXIBILITY

摘要

The present invention includes a sheath (10) for guiding materials in a body cavity. The sheath comprises a tubular structure having an exterior surface (12) of a sidewall (13) and a lumen (14) enclosed by an interior surface (16) of the sidewall. The sidewall has a duct (18) containing a magnetorheological fluid. Also presented is a method for navigating a sheath (60) comprising introducing the distal end of the sheath to a passage (62) in the patient's body; manipulating the rigidity of the magnetorheological fluid by applying a magnetic field; and positioning the sheath. A navigable catheter and sheath assembly is also presented.