Steering tool

Abstract

A steering tool includes an internal tube disposed inside an external tube. The internal and external tubes are arranged for longitudinal axial movement relative to one another. A distal end of the internal tube is fixedly joined to a distal end of the external tube. At least one of the internal and external tubes is slotted near the distal end thereof, and the longitudinal axial movement causes bending of the distal ends of the tubes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A steering tool comprising:
 an internal tube disposed inside an external tube, said internal and external tubes being arranged for longitudinal axial movement relative to one another, wherein a distal end of said internal tube is fixedly joined to a distal end of said external tube, and at least one of said internal and external tubes is formed with transverse slots near the distal end thereof, and wherein the longitudinal axial movement causes bending of the distal ends of said tubes;   and wherein shapes of said slots change as a parameter of distance from the distal ends of said internal and external tubes.   
     
     
         2 . The steering tool according to  claim 1 , wherein said internal and external tubes are each formed with one or more alignment holes for correct axial and rotational alignment of said internal and external tubes during joining and assembly. 
     
     
         3 . The steering tool according to  claim 2 , further comprising an alignment pin inserted in said one or more alignment holes. 
     
     
         4 . The steering tool according to  claim 1 , further comprising an open-ended axial slot formed in at least one of said internal and external tubes. 
     
     
         5 . The steering tool according to  claim 4 , wherein said axial slot is open to a most distal slot of the transverse slots. 
     
     
         6 . The steering tool according to  claim 1 , wherein said transverse slots decrease in length and width with increased distance from the distal ends of said internal and external tubes. 
     
     
         7 . The steering tool according to  claim 6 , wherein said transverse slots decrease in length and width asymptotically to a minimum size. 
     
     
         8 . The steering tool according to  claim 1 , wherein said steering tool is covered with a semi-rigid or flexible sheath. 
     
     
         9 . The steering tool according to  claim 1 , wherein both of said internal and external tubes are slotted near the distal ends thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The steering tool according to  claim 1 , wherein a proximal end of said external tube is affixed or locked in an external tube holder at a distal end of a handle and said internal tube extends through said handle, a proximal portion of said internal tube being held by a proximal internal tube holder, and wherein said handle comprises a tube manipulator operative to cause relative axial movement of said internal and external tubes. 
     
     
         11 . The steering tool according to  claim 10 , wherein said tube manipulator is arranged to abut against or be connected to a movable portion of said handle, said movable portion being connected to or abutting against said external tube holder, and wherein distal movement of said tube manipulator causes said movable portion to move distally and cause said internal tube to move distally to cause bending of distal tips of said internal and said external tubes. 
     
     
         12 . The steering tool according to  claim 10 , wherein said tube manipulator is arranged to abut proximally against a stationary portion of said handle and to be removably received in a proximal stop formed in said handle. 
     
     
         13 . A method comprising using the steering tool of  claim 1  as a catheter or needle for fluid delivery. 
     
     
         14 . A method comprising using the steering tool of  claim 1  as a catheter to guide a camera, an electrical energy device, an illumination device, a fiber optic device or a laser device to a treatment site. 
     
     
         15 . A method comprising using the steering tool of  claim 1  as a push or pull wire.