Abstract: Disclosed is a "bending assembly" which, when positioned with a flexible catheter, cannula, scope, or the like, is operative to cause periodic bending of the catheter, cannula, scope, or the like so as to assist in guiding the catheter, cannula, scope, or the like through curved or branched anatomical structures. The bending assembly comprises (a) a contractile wire or member, (b) a bendable support means, and (c) a connecting member linking the contractile wire to the bendable support means. When electrical current is passed through the contractile wire, it will undergo axial shortening, thereby causing the bendable support means to bend in the direction of the contractile wire with resultant movement or bending of the catheter, cannula, scope, or the like in which the bending assembly is disposed.