Abstract: A bi-directional endoscope comprising a catheter body having a tubular spring frame attached to and extending axially from the distal end thereof. The spring frame comprises a spring body which includes a tip member positioned on the distal end thereof, and a plurality of relief slots disposed therein for allowing the deflection of the spring frame within a first deflection plane. The relief slots are formed in the spring body in a manner defining first and second longitudinally extending stiffening portions which are oriented substantially diametrically opposite each other therewithin. Extending longitudinally through the catheter body and spring frame is a pair of activation wires which are encased by a pair of support sleeves. The spring frame is deflected by stressing the activation wires by subjecting either of the wires to a tensile force.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 23, 1993
Date of Patent:
January 17, 1995
Assignee:
Spectrum Medsystems Corporation
Inventors:
Alan DeLaRama, Larry A. Dial, Richard J. Harp, Thomas L. Hursman, Alfred S. Soria, R. J. Serra, Steve Tarpening