DEFLECTABLE MEDICAL INSTRUMENT

摘要

A minimally intrusive medical instrument such as an endoscope (20) or catheter having a deflectable tip (30). A remotely bendable section (26) adjacent a distal tip (30) enables movement of the tip (30) between a neutral position and angularly disposed positions. A deflection control lever (48) on a proximal control member (22) causes deflection of the tip (30) by means of two sets of operating wires (22) which are operatively conected at one end to the control member (22) and at the other end to axially spaced locations along the controllably bendable section (26). The control member (22) includes a mechanism (94) for sequentially displacing cables within each set (110). The operating cables (110) are constructed of flat ribbons to increase their flexibility in the bending plane while still providing axial strength. The wires (110) are closely encased in an oval-shaped sheath (124) along the length of the instrument.