Devices for introduction into a body via a substantially straight conduit to form a predefined curved configuration, and methods employing such devices

Abstract

A device for introduction into a body in a straight configuration and assuming within the body a predefined curved configuration, includes an elongated element formed from a number of segments interconnected so as to form effective binges therebetween. When the elongated element is confined to a straight state, the effective hinges transfer compressive forces from each segment to the next so that the elongated element can be pushed to advance it through a conduit. When the elongated element is not confined to a straight state, the effective hinges allow deflection of each segment relative to adjacent segments until abutment surfaces of the segments come into abutment, thereby defining a fully flexed state of the elongated element with a predefined curved configuration. The device can be produced with a wide range of two-dimensional and three-dimensional curved forms, and has both medical and non-medical applications.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for introduction along a guide into a body, the device assuming within the body a curved configuration, the device comprising:
 an elongated element formed primarily from a plurality of sequentially flexibly interconnected segments, said elongated element being configured such that:   (a) when the elongated element is confined by the guide to an insertion configuration, the elongated element can be pushed so as to advance along the guide; and   (b) when the elongated element is not confined by the guide to said insertion configuration, each segment is deflectable relative to adjacent segments until at least one abutment surface of each of the segments comes into abutment with at least one corresponding abutment surface of each adjacent segment, thereby defining a flexed state of the elongated element, the flexed state corresponding to a curved configuration of the elongated element; and   
       wherein said at least one abutment surface of each of the segments includes at least one surface of a recess, and wherein said at least one corresponding abutment surface of each adjacent one of the segments includes at least one surface of a projection configured for engaging said recess. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said recess of each segment is formed as a surface with a concave form in at least one direction. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said recess of each segment forms a channel extending along a majority of a dimension of the segment. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said channel is a stepped recess formed with a channel base and two channel walls. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said recess and said projection are configured such that, in said flexed state, engagement of said projection with said recess helps resist torsional deformation of the elongated element 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said segments are sequentially flexibly interconnected by a flat connecting portion of flexible material interconnecting between adjacent of the segments. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein each of the flat connecting portions is integrally formed with adjacent of the segments. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein all of the segments and the flat connecting portions are integrally formed. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the flat connecting portions are resiliently biased to deflect the segments so that the elongated element tends to assume the flexed state. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the segments is formed as a non-hollow block of material. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the segments is formed as a hollow block of material. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said elongated element has a beveled distal tip angled so as to tend to deflect the elongated element into the flexed state as the elongated element advances through a medium. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a tensile element deployed along a length of the elongated element. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said guide is a conduit with a substantially rectangular cross-section. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one fixation arrangement for fixing a part of the elongated element relative to the body such that the elongated element forms at least part of an implant. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a drilling element associated with a distal end of the elongated element. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a length of the elongated element is at least ten times greater than each transverse dimension of the elongated element. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the curved configuration includes a conical spiral. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the curved configuration includes a helix. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 19 , wherein lateral surfaces of the segments are formed with complementary stepped or interlocking features so as to inhibit lateral displacement of successive coils of the helix.