| 摘要 |
Disposable shapelocking systems are disclosed herein. A shapelock assembly generally comprises an elongate body defining at least one lumen therethrough for advancement of an endoscope or other endoscopic instruments therethrough. A handle assembly can be actuated to compress nested links against one another to transition the elongate body from a flexible state to a rigid shape-locked state. One or more of the nested links can be made from a particular thermoplastic either alone or in combination with one or more reinforcing structures. Such structures can include a reinforcing ring integrated with the link on an inner, outer, or lower surface of the link. Alternatively, the link can be coated or layered to enhance its strength. Additionally, different portions of the shapelock body can be made from different types of links depending upon the loads imparted upon the various portions of the shapelock body.
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