Method for using a variable stiffness medical device

摘要

A medical device such as an endoscope has an elongated flexible sheath. A first sleeve has a passage there through which snugly receives the sheath, the first sheath being slideable from its proximal end to its distal end. The sleeve is a thin-walled tube having a constant inner diameter so as to minimize the increase the outer dimension of the device at the portion upon which the sleeve is positioned. The sleeve has a length of approximately one-half the length of the sheath and may have greater stiffness than the sheath. A second sleeve may be slideably mounted on the first sleeve and has a snug fit therewith. The second sleeve is also a thin-walled tube having a constant outer dimension. The second sleeve has a length of approximately one-half the length of the first sleeve and may have greater stiffness than the first sleeve.