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Endoscope with single step guiding apparatus

  • US 20030032859A1
  • Filed: 08/27/2002
  • Published: 02/13/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/03/2000
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of advancing an instrument along an arbitrary path, comprising:

  • selectively steering a distal portion of the instrument to assume a selected shape along an arbitrary path such that a portion of an elongate guide conforms to and assumes the selected shape; and

    maintaining a position of said guide while advancing said instrument along said guide such that a proximal portion of said instrument assumes the selected shape defined by said guide, wherein said instrument is freely slidable along said guide such that advancing said instrument along said guide is unconstrained.

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