Methods and apparatus to shape flexible entry guides for minimally invasive surgery

摘要

An apparatus comprises a flexible entry guide tube comprising one or more lumens, wherein at least one lumen is an instrument lumen; and a rigidizing cable to lock a shape of the guide tube within a body cavity with a distal end of the guide tube near a medical site. The rigidizing cable can steer the guide tube. The apparatus comprises a flexible tool insertable into the instrument lumen. The tool can perform a medical procedure near the distal end of the guide tube. The tool comprises an end effector, a steerable tip portion, and a steering cable for steering the tip portion. While the tip portion remains within the instrument lumen, articulation of the tip portion causes corresponding articulation of a distal portion of the guide tube. The tool can extend away from the distal end while the shape of the guide tube is locked by the rigidizing cable.