Steerable medical device

Abstract

A medical device is provided. The medical device includes an elongated device body having a steerable portion including a plurality of segments. The segments are co-axially mounted over at least one elongated elastic element which is configured for limiting rotation of the segments with respect to each other. The medical device also includes a control wire running alongside the elongated device body and being unrestrained at the steerable portion such that tensioning of the control wire angles the steerable portion from a longitudinal axis of the elongated device body and deflects the control wire away from the steerable portion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A medical device comprising:
 (a) an elongated device body having a steerable portion including a plurality of segments, wherein said plurality of segments are configured for limiting rotation with respect to each other;   (b) a sheath covering said steerable portion; and   (c) at least one control wire running within a recess along said elongated device body and under said sheath, said at least one control wire being unrestrained at said steerable portion such that tensioning of said at least one control wire angles said steerable portion from a longitudinal axis of said elongated device body and deflects said at least one control wire out of said recess.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein rotation between adjacent segments of said plurality of segments is limited by tab-slot engagement between said adjacent segments. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said sheath covering said steerable portion is elastic. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , comprising three control wires, each being for angling said steerable portion of said elongated device body in a specific direction. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a rigid sheath covering a non-steerable portion of said elongated device body. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one control wire is routed through said device body at said non-steerable portion. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a second steerable portion continuous with said steerable portion. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said steerable portion and said second steerable portion can form an S-shaped articulation configuration.