"Steerable Instrument For Endoscopic Or Invasive Applications" in Patent Application Approval Process (USPTO 20240306900).

The patent application by Thissen and Verbeek describes a steerable instrument for endoscopic or invasive applications. The instrument includes a steerable tube with flexible zones and a steering arrangement for deflection of the distal end. It also has a handle for steering and manipulating tools. The invention addresses issues with tip control and coordination and utilizes cutting techniques to reduce the instrument's cross-section while maintaining precision and reliability. The instrument has applications in compensating for path length differences, locking hinges, limiting bending, and coupling steering wires. It allows for integral manufacturing, reducing costs and improving accuracy and repeatability, and can be used in various medical procedures. [Extracted from the article]