Abstract: The invention is directed to a steerable mandrel comprising a stationary part and a movable part. The stationary part comprises a tubular sleeve having a mantle wall with a longitudinal semi-circumferential opening or weakening, which divides the stationary part into a proximal portion located on a proximal side of the longitudinal semi-circumferential opening or weakening and a distal portion located on distal side of the longitudinal semi-circumferential opening or weakening. The movable part comprises a rod-like member, which is slidable within the proximal portion of the stationary part. The movable part is attached to distal portion of the stationary part, such that relative movement of the movable part in relation to the stationary part causes a bending of the mandrel.

Abstract: The invention provides a puncturing guide (1, 16) for guiding a puncturing needle into a target site within the body of a patient. The puncturing guide (1, 16) comprises a base plate (2, 17), a needle guide (3, 18), a retainer (4, 19) for securing the needle guide (3, 18) to the base plate (2, 17), a first segment (7, 20) of a first semi-sphere, a second segment (8, 21) of a second semi-sphere, and a needle guide (3, 18) attached to the second segment (8, 21). During a positioning operation, the second segment (8, 21) slides on the first segment (7, 20), so that the needle guide (3, 18) is movable around the center of the first semi-sphere, which is in level with the underside of the base plate (2, 17), thereby providing the possibility to position the tip of a puncturing needle at a puncturing point on the patient's skin and then, in a separate operation, set the entrance angle of the puncturing needle without changing its entrance point.