Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catheter device which is operably positionable for use in a biological conduit. The catheter device includes a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end; a flexible housing; a work element and a sleeve. The housing connects to the distal end of the catheter body and holds the work element. The sleeve slidably mounts with housing for selectively reinforcing the housing to inhibit bending. Accordingly, the housing is normally flexible to facilitate insertion of the catheter device into a biological conduit. When the sleeve moves with respect to the housing, the sleeve reinforces the housing to facilitate operation of the work element.

Abstract: A catheter device for use in a biological conduit includes a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end, a housing connected to the distal end of the catheter body, the housing including a window for invaginating biological tissue and a work element movably attached to operate within the housing, the window exposing the work element. A cage member is attached to the housing and partially covers the window, the cage member permitting a selective invagination of biological tissue therethrough into the window. When the catheter device is inserted in the biological conduit, the cage member selectively controls an invagination of tissue within the catheter device while preventing invagination of any stent material or invagination of walls of the biological conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catheter device which is operably positionable for use in a biological conduit. The catheter device includes a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end; a flexible housing; a work element and a sleeve. The housing connects to the distal end of the catheter body and holds the work element. The sleeve slidably mounts with the housing for selectively reinforcing the housing to inhibit bending. Accordingly, the housing is normally flexible to facilitate insertion of the catheter device into a biological conduit. When the sleeve moves with respect to the housing, the sleeve reinforces the housing to facilitate operation of the work element.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catheter device which is operably positionable for use in a biological conduit. The catheter device includes a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end; a flexible housing; a work element and a sleeve. The housing connects to the distal end of the catheter body and holds the work element. The sleeve slidably mounts with housing for selectively reinforcing the housing to inhibit bending. Accordingly, the housing is normally flexible to facilitate insertion of the catheter device into a biological conduit. When the sleeve moves with respect to the housing, the sleeve reinforces the housing to facilitate operation of the work element.