Method and apparatus for conducting exploratory procedures

摘要

A method and apparatus for conducting exploratory procedures is disclosed. The apparatus includes a flexible steerable device which may alternately be stiffened along its entire length or a portion thereof and relaxed in order to effect movement of the device through a subject, such as the gut of a patient. The apparatus preferably comprises a pair of concentric conduits and is used by inserting the device into the subject, at least one of the concentric conduits being stiffenable. One of the conduits may be stiffened, acting as a guide for the other conduit. One conduit may be made flexible to be steered into the subject or follow the path prescribed by the other conduit or the path of least resistance. The device this minimizes the force exerted on the walls of the gut or other containment.