Abstract: A guiding apparatus comprises a plurality of support members. Each of the plurality of support members has a curved profile to resist bending in at least one direction. The guiding apparatus also comprises a retraction system coupled to the plurality of support members. The plurality of support members has an extended configuration in which the plurality of support members is positioned in an arrangement to form a channel sized to receive an instrument. The plurality of support members has a retracted configuration in which each of the plurality of support members is retracted within the retraction system as the instrument is advanced along a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a flexible instrument comprises an elongated support assembly having a longitudinal axis. The elongated support assembly is adapted to laterally receive into engagement and longitudinally support an elongated flexible instrument.

Abstract: A guiding apparatus comprises a support assembly extending along a longitudinal axis and including a first plurality of linkages and a second plurality of linkages. The first plurality of linkages includes a first channel formation and the second plurality of linkages includes a second channel formation. The support assembly has a coupled configuration with a proximal end and a distal end in which the first plurality of linkages is coupled to the second plurality of linkages with the first and second channel formations arranged to form a continuous channel through the support assembly. The continuous channel has an opening sized to receive an elongated flexible instrument.

Abstract: A guiding apparatus comprises a plurality of support members. Each of the plurality of support members has a curved profile to resist bending in at least one direction. The guiding apparatus also comprises a retraction system coupled to the plurality of support members. The plurality of support members has an extended configuration in which the plurality of support members is positioned in an arrangement to form a channel sized to receive an instrument. The plurality of support members has a retracted configuration in which each of the plurality of support members is retracted within the retraction system as the instrument is advanced along a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A guiding apparatus includes a plurality of collapsible support members, a plurality of retraction assemblies, each of the plurality of retraction assemblies coupled to a respective one of the plurality of collapsible support members, and a connector adapted to connect the plurality of retraction assemblies to a teleoperational manipulator arm. The plurality of collapsible support members have an extended configuration in which the plurality of collapsible support members are arranged to form a channel extending along a longitudinal axis, the channel sized to receive an elongated instrument. The plurality of collapsible support members have a collapsed configuration in which each of the plurality of collapsible support members is retracted within a respective coupled retraction assembly as the elongated instrument is advanced along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A guiding apparatus comprises a support assembly extending along a longitudinal axis. The support assembly includes a first plurality of linkages including a first channel formation, a second plurality of linkages including a second channel formation, and a strut having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the strut is coupled to the support assembly. The support assembly has a coupled configuration with a proximal end and a distal end in which the first plurality of linkages is coupled to the second plurality of linkages with the first and second channel formations arranged to form a continuous channel through the support assembly. The continuous channel has an elongated opening sized to receive an elongated flexible instrument in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a flexible instrument comprises an elongated support assembly having a longitudinal axis. The elongated support assembly is adapted to laterally receive into engagement and longitudinally support an elongated flexible instrument.

Abstract: A guiding apparatus comprises a plurality of collapsible support members and a plurality of retraction assemblies. Each of the plurality of retraction assemblies is coupled to a respective one of the plurality of collapsible support members. The plurality of collapsible support members have an extended configuration in which the plurality of support members are arranged to form a channel extending along a longitudinal axis. The channel is sized to receive an elongated instrument. The plurality of support members have a collapsed configuration in which each of the plurality of support members is retracted within the respective coupled retraction assembly as the elongated instrument is advanced along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a flexible instrument comprises an elongated support assembly having a longitudinal axis. The elongated support assembly is adapted to laterally receive into engagement and longitudinally support an elongated flexible instrument.