Steerable sheath

Abstract

A steerable sheath includes an elongate shaft, a handle, an actuator element on the handle, and a plurality of control wires operably coupled to the elongate shaft and the actuator element. Actuation of the actuator element adjusts a shape of a proximal curve and a distal curve on the elongate shaft.

1 . A steerable sheath comprising:
 an elongate shaft comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, an intermediate portion disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal portions;   a first pull wire having a proximal end and a distal end, the first pull wire extending along the elongate shaft;   a second pull wire having a proximal end and a distal end, the second pull wire extending along the elongate shaft;   a handle coupled with the proximal portion of the elongate shaft;   a first actuator disposed on the handle; and   a second actuator disposed on the handle,   wherein the distal end of the first pull wire is coupled to the intermediate portion of the elongate shaft and the proximal end of the first pull wire is coupled to the first actuator,   wherein the distal end of the second pull wire is coupled to the distal portion of the elongate shaft and the proximal end of the second pull wire is coupled to the second actuator,   wherein actuation of the first actuator in a first direction tensions the first pull wire forming a proximal curve in a first arcuate direction along the intermediate portion of the elongate shaft in a first plane, and wherein actuation of the first actuator in a second direction opposite the first direction releases the tension in the first pull wire allowing the proximal curve to return to an unbiased configuration,   wherein actuation of the second actuator in a first direction tensions the second pull wire forming a distal curve in a first curved direction along the distal portion of the elongate shaft in a second plane, and wherein actuation of the second actuator in a second direction opposite the first direction of the second actuator releases the tension in the second pull wire allowing the distal curve to return to an unbiased configuration.