Abstract:
A control system for allowing a user to control the orientation of a medical device or a medical instrument in a variety of directions. An actuator selectively tensions one or more control cables having ends secured at or adjacent a distal tip of the medical device in order to bend the distal tip in a desired direction. In one embodiment, a physician can adjust the movement of the distal tip in a desired direction without affecting the orientation of the medical device in other directions.
Abstract:
Endoscopic instrument assemblies and methods for making and using the same. An example endoscopic instrument assembly includes an endoscope having a working channel and an endoscopic instrument slidably disposed in the working channel. The inside surface of the working channel and the outside surface of the endoscopic instrument each have a non-circular cross-sectional shape along at least a portion of their respective lengths.