| 摘要 |
A steerable device, such as a catheter or a guidewire, adapted for insertion into a patient is provided with a means for controllably varying the curvature at the distal end of the device. The arrangement includes a conduit, at least a portion of which is formed from a material that contracts when contacted by a first liquid and expands when contacted with a second liquid. The liquids preferably are immiscible and are disposed in the conduit. Means are provided for shifting the position of the liquid column in the conduit. The portion of the conduit formed from said material is formed into a configuration that will cause that portion of the conduit to change shape depending on the position of the liquid column in the conduit.
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