Abstract: A steerable device including a flexible axially elongated member, at least one actuating element arranged alongside the periphery of the elongated member, at least one fastening element configured to fasten at least partially the at least one actuating element to the flexible elongated member distal end, the fastening element being in direct contact with the flexible elongated member, at least one anti-return element configured to keep the at least one actuating element from sliding alongside the periphery of the flexible elongated member distal end, wherein the at least one anti-return element and the at least one fastening element are in axial abutting contact.

Abstract: An elongated steerable system for guiding a catheter or an endoscope, comprising: an elongated flexible member including, along at least a part of its longitudinal axis, at least one projection which, in transversal section, projects from the elongated flexible member; the at least one projection having a distal end and a proximal end, and defining, in transversal section, two lateral sides projecting from the elongated flexible member; and a wire; wherein the at least one projection includes at least one transverse retaining and passing element near the distal end of the projection, the retaining and passing element extending transversely to the lateral sides of the projection; and the wire passes through the retaining and passing element alternatively from one lateral side of the projection to the other lateral side of the projection, where adherence between the wire and the retaining and passing element retains the wire.

Abstract: A steerable elongated functional system, such as a catheter or an endoscope, for internally investigating a pipe, a duct or a tube. Especially, an elongated functional system configured to be advanced in the lumen of a pipe, a duct or a tube. The system includes an elongated flexible body, at least one of a first and a second actuator, each being arranged in or on the elongated flexible body, having proximal and distal extremities, and being connectable to an energy source and configured to convey or transform energy to the elongated flexible body to cause a reversible curvature of the elongated flexible body. The elongated body includes an overlapping region where at least the proximal extremity of the first actuator overlaps with at least the distal extremity of the second actuator, and the first and second actuators are mechanically independent from one another and longitudinally offset from one another.

Abstract: For surgical and/or medical instruments, a smart handle for easily and more accurately manipulating an elongated functional system inside the body of a subject, including a handle body extending along a longitudinal axis having a first electrical interface including at least two electrical connectors, a second electrical interface with at least two circular conductive elements and a chamber for receiving a power supply; the power supply being connected to one of the electrical interfaces, at least one first external command being arranged on the outer surface of the handle body, and when activated, the first external command allows to flow an electrical current through the electrical connectors; the electrical connectors being maintained in contact with the other electrical interface by a spring force, the electrical connectors including at their distal end a round tip for ensuring a permanent contact between the electrical connectors and the circular conductive elements during rotation.

Abstract: An elongated functional system configured to be advanced in the lumen of a pipe, a duct or a tube, the system having a body part having a main proximal part and a distal part, the distal part being a continuous extension of the proximal part, the distal part including one functional end terminating with a tip, and at least one active area located upstream the functional end on the distal part; and at least one actuator configured to transform an amount of energy to the distal part sufficient to cause a reversible curvature of the active area, thereby preventing undesired spring back of the whole system; the actuator being connectable to a source of energy.

Abstract: An elongated steerable system for guiding a catheter or an endoscope, comprising: an elongated flexible member including, along at least a part of its longitudinal axis, at least one projection which, in transversal section, projects from the elongated flexible member; the at least one projection having a distal end and a proximal end, and defining, in transversal section, two lateral sides projecting from the elongated flexible member; and a wire; wherein the at least one projection includes at least one transverse retaining and passing element near the distal end of the projection, the retaining and passing element extending transversely to the lateral sides of the projection; and the wire passes through the retaining and passing element alternatively from one lateral side of the projection to the other lateral side of the projection, where adherence between the wire and the retaining and passing element retains the wire.