Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscopic instrument (1) having an elongate body with a distal end (4) designed to be introduced into the body of the patient so as to come into proximity with an internal organ, the distal end carrying a tool (7) for intervention on the internal organ. The endoscopic instrument has a fool (10) rigidly connected to the distal end and designed to bear on the internal organ, and also controllable means (13) for conferring movements on the tool, at least in directions transverse to a longitudinal axis (X) of the distal end of the endoscopic instrument, when the foot is bearing against the internal organ.

Abstract: A miniaturized scanning system to generate movement of a flexible device positioned at a distal part of a medical tool. The miniaturized scanning system includes an inner shaft with a longitudinal axis, adapted to guide said flexible device along the longitudinal axis, an abutment comprising an external surface and adapted to maintain said device, and a pusher mechanism adapted to engage with said abutment. The miniaturized scanning system includes at least one end portion adapted to contact said external surface of the abutment at a contact point, wherein said end portion is configured to translate along said longitudinal axis of the inner shaft and wherein the translation of said end portion results in a bending of the device in a bending plane defined by the longitudinal axis of the inner shaft and said contact point.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elongate structure having a steerable end, the structure including a flexible longitudinal body associated with at least one actuator member having at least one shape memory alloy wire or “SMAW” extending along the body and anchored thereto at its ends, and associated with a mechanism for heating it in controlled manner. The method includes the following steps: inserting at least one of the ends of the SMAW in tubes; crimping the tubes onto the ends of the SMAW; and securing the tubes to the body in such a manner that the wire extends along the body.

Abstract: A miniaturized scanning system to generate movement of a flexible device positioned at a distal part of a medical tool. The miniaturized scanning system includes an inner shaft with a longitudinal axis, adapted to guide said flexible device along the longitudinal axis, an abutment comprising an external surface and adapted to maintain said device, and a pusher mechanism adapted to engage with said abutment. The miniaturized scanning system includes at least one end portion adapted to contact said external surface of the abutment at a contact point, wherein said end portion is configured to translate along said longitudinal axis of the inner shaft and wherein the translation of said end portion results in a bending of the device in a bending plane defined by the longitudinal axis of the inner shaft and said contact point.

Abstract: A flexible and steerable structure for non-destructive inspection, the structure including a longitudinal body and at least one actuator enabling the curvature of at least a portion of the longitudinal body to be modified, the actuator being carried by a support associated with the longitudinal body and including a distal portion that is spaced apart or that is spaceable apart from the longitudinal body and that is connected to a portion of the longitudinal body by a traction line.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscopic instrument (1) having an elongate body with a distal end (4) designed to be introduced into the body of the patient so as to come into proximity with an internal organ, the distal end carrying a tool (7) for intervention on the internal organ. The endoscopic instrument has a fool (10) rigidly connected to the distal end and designed to bear on the internal organ, and also controllable means (13) for conferring movements on the tool, at least in directions transverse to a longitudinal axis (X) of the distal end of the endoscopic instrument, when the foot is bearing against the internal organ.

Abstract: A steerable structure of the catheter or endoscope type is disclosed. The structure includes an elastically or deformable longitudinal body including at least one actuator of material of the shape memory type incorporated longitudinally with the body together with a Joule-effect heater enabling the actuator to be contracted longitudinally in order to cause the longitudinal body to bend. The actuator extends over at least one portion of the body that presents varying stiffness.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an elongate body which ends with a tool carrier and which is intended to be introduced into the peritoneal cavity by way of a trocar, the body comprising: an internal tube, which extends along a longitudinal axis of the body and which ends with a bendable stand; an external tube, which extends around the internal tube, coaxially with respect to the internal tube, and which is mounted so as to rotate about the internal tube; the external tube ending with a bellows, which extends around the stand and which, at its end, bears the tool carrier.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elongate structure having a steerable end, the structure including a flexible longitudinal body associated with at least one actuator member having at least one shape memory alloy wire or “SMAW” extending along the body and anchored thereto at its ends, and associated with a mechanism for heating it in controlled manner. The method includes the following steps: inserting at least one of the ends of the SMAW in tubes; crimping the tubes onto the ends of the SMAW; and securing the tubes to the body in such a manner that the wire extends along the body.

Abstract: A flexible and steerable structure for non-destructive inspection, the structure including a longitudinal body and at least one actuator enabling the curvature of at least a portion of the longitudinal body to be modified, the actuator being carried by a support associated with the longitudinal body and including a distal portion that is spaced apart or that is spaceable apart from the longitudinal body and that is connected to a portion of the longitudinal body by a traction line.

Abstract: A steerable structure (21, 27) of the catheter or endoscope type, the structure comprising an elastically or deformable longitudinal body (22, 28) including at least one actuator (16, 38) of material of the shape memory type incorporated longitudinally with the body (22, 28) together with Joule-effect heater means enabling the actuator (16, 38) to be contracted longitudinally in order to cause the longitudinal body (22, 28) to bend, wherein the actuator (16, 38) extends over at least one portion of the body (22, 28) that presents varying stiffness.