Abstract: An endotracheal tube having more than six degrees of freedom. The tube includes a first element having a distal end portion which is capable of achieving a curved configuration and a second element having a distal end portion which is capable of achieving a curved configuration. The first and second elements are rotationally and translationally connected to each other. The structure may also be used as a stylet for an endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A nasogastric tube having a proximal end and a distal end portion includes an outer tube and an inner element. The inner element is disposed in the outer tube and is movable rotationally and translationally with respect to the outer tube so that the outer tube and inner element interact to vary the shape of the distal end portion of the nasogastric tube to facilitate the movement of the nasogastric tube from the point of insertion at least to the stomach of the living being on which it is being used. The outer tube is moved with respect to an inner element such that distal end portions of the outer tube and inner element form desired shapes corresponding to the interior anatomy of a living being independent of the actual shape of said anatomy. The distal end portions of the outer tube and inner element are both curved or curvable.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inserting a stent graft limb branch into a stent graft body disposed in a living being, the stent graft body having a trunk and an opening for receiving said branch. A guide element is inserted through a vessel of the living being to the vicinity of the branch receiving opening of the stent graft body. The guide element is manipulated in three dimensions to form a shape corresponding to the orientation of the branch receiving opening with respect to the position of the vessel, so that the guide element shape is varied, in situ, to the required shape despite any abnormalities in the shape and orientation of the vessel. The guide element, after formation into the proper shape, is inserted into the branch receiving opening of the stent graft body. The stent graft limb branch is then fed over the guide element until the distal end of the limb branch is received in the branch receiving opening of the stent graft body. The guide element itself is also novel.

Abstract: An endoscope having first and second viewing elements provides separate views of the passage being traversed or the organ being inspected. The endoscope is particularly useful for traversing restrictions and forming desired shapes in situ.

Abstract: A coronary sinus catheter includes a pacing lead adapted for placement in a vein on the left ventricle of a heart having a right atrium and a coronary sinus. An outer member of the coronary sinus catheter has a distal end portion capable of having a curve formed remotely therein. The outer member is sized to be disposed in at least one chamber of said heart. An inner catheter has a passage therein for containing at least a portion of the pacing lead for placement thereof. The inner catheter has a distal end portion capable of having a curve formed therein. The distal end portions of the outer member and the inner catheter are disposable with respect to each other so that the distal end portions interact to allow cannulation of the coronary sinus irrespective of the orientation of the coronary sinus with respect to the right atrium of the heart.