Abstract: A method and device for electroporating adipocytes in the adipose layer of tissue, where the device includes a frame, a first electrode coupled to the frame having a first contact surface, a second electrode coupled to the frame having a second contact surface, and where the first contact surf ace and the second contact surface define a treatment zone therebetween. The method including positioning a fold of tissue between the first and second electrodes such that the treatment zone formed between the two electrodes includes an adipose layer of tissue and no skeletal muscle.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment, a multi-lumen shaft may be used to with an endoscopic instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed is an energy self-sufficient real time bio-signal monitoring and nutrient and/or drug delivery system based on salinity gradient power generation. The energy self-sufficient real time bio-signal monitoring and/or nutrient delivery system based on salinity gradient power generation includes: an electricity generation and nutrient and/or drug delivery module including a reverse electrodialysis device which generates electricity by using a nutrient and/or drug solution and discharge a diluted nutrient solution; and a bio-signal measuring unit inserted into the electricity generation and nutrient and/or drug delivery module and configured to receive electricity from the electricity generation and nutrient and/or drug delivery module and measure a bio-signal.

Abstract: A method of forming a microneedle array can include forming a microneedle array that has one or more bioactive component. The microneedle array can include a base portion and plurality of microneedles extending from the base portion, and the one or more bioactive components can be combined with other components to exhibit specific release kinetics when the microneedle array is inserted into the skin of a patient.

Abstract: Methods and devices related to the fields of skin care, hair restoration and lip care wherein the systems may be used by an individual for infusing treatment media into skin or lips for cosmetic and rejuvenation purposes, hair restoration purposes or other therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medicament delivery device comprising at least one microneedle for delivering a medicament to a patient, and a system configured to enhance the penetration of the medicament into skin of the patient.

Abstract: A method for delivering matter into a human body is provided via a manual or automatic hand-held delivery device configured to provide a pressurized stream of fluid. The fluid contains compounds, chemicals, nutrients, vitamins or other desired matter. A user, via the device, is configured to target the pressurized stream of fluid to a location on the human body, e.g. the user's skin or mucosa. The pressurized stream is configured to penetrate the user's skin or mucosa such that at least a portion of the fluid is absorbed into the user's skin or mucosa. Various preconditioning methods are provided to increase the absorption rate and bioavailability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical or laparoscopic method of creating and maintaining an opening in the thoracic diaphragm of a patient. In said method, an incision in the thoracic diaphragm is created, thereby creating an opening in the thoracic diaphragm. Further a diaphragm passing part is placed in said opening created in the thoracic diaphragm, passing from the abdomen, through the thoracic diaphragm at the pericardial contacting section, into the pericardium; When placing the diaphragm passing part a force transferring part of the diaphragm passing part is placed in contact with the thoracic diaphragm, the force transferring part being adapted to, by motion of the force transferring part, transfer force between the abdominal side of the thoracic diaphragm and the thoracic side of the thoracic diaphragm or the pericardium while sliding against the thoracic diaphragm.

Abstract: A soluble needle (100) for hair transplantation, wherein the soluble needle (100) comprises a fixing plate (30) and a plurality of micro-needles (20) made of water-soluble polymers arranged on the fixing plate (30), wherein each of said micro-needle (20) comprises a needle wall (21) to penetrate scalps and a needle cavity (22) confined by the needle wall (21) and configured for accommodating a hair follicle. A method of manufacturing a soluble needle (100) for hair transplantation, wherein the method includes: dissolving water-soluble polymers in water to prepare a molding solution (S101); delivering the molding solution into a mold (S102); letting the molding solution settle in the mold to shape (S103); and separating and removing the mold to produce the soluble needle (S104). The soluble needle (100) effectively shortens the time of surgery, reduces the pain of the patients, and increases the viability rate of transplanted hair follicles.

Abstract: An incubator-actuator device including a sample chamber, a magnetic field generating coil, and a light-emitting diode (LED) placement cage is provided herein. The incubator-actuator device is configured for simultaneous optical irradiation and oscillating magnetic field irradiation of a mammalian cell or a nanostructure. A system including an incubator-actuator device including a sample chamber, a magnetic field generating coil, and a light-emitting diode (LED) placement cage, and a laser is also provided herein. The system is configured for simultaneous optical irradiation and oscillating magnetic field irradiation of a target.

Abstract: The invention provides a variety of novel devices, systems, and methods of utilizing mixed-ionic-electronic conductor (MIEC) materials adapted to function with an applied current or potential. The materials, as part of a circuit, are placed in contact with a part of a human or nonhuman animal body. A sodium selective membrane system utilizing the MIEC is also described.

Abstract: An arthroscopic cutting probe includes an outer sleeve having a longitudinal bore and an outer cutting window at its distal end. An inner sleeve is rotationally disposed in a bore of the outer sleeve, and the inner sleeve has a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal passageway, and an inner cutting window at its distal. An active electrode sleeve is disposed on an outer surface of the inner sleeve in a position opposed to the inner cutting window. Rotation of the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve causes the inner cutting window to rotate past the outer cutting window to resect tissue received through the cutting windows as they pass each other. Radiofrequency current can be applied to the active electrode to enhance tissue cutting then the cutting windows are being rotated or to able or cauterize tissue when the cutting windows are held stationary with the active electrode disposed through the outer cutting window.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for preventing, ameliorating, alleviating or treating dermatitis comprising exosomes derived from adipose-derived stem cells as an active ingredient. The composition of the present invention is able to act against dermatitis-inducing multiple cytokine targets, and thus be widely applied against dermatitis caused by various factors and effectively suppress and alleviate dermatitis.

Abstract: Methods for treating cancer and/or inducing tumor regression in mammals (e.g., humans) by increasing the metabolism of the mammal, administering a BA dye to the mammal, and thereafter exposing the tumor to actinic light for activation of the BA dye.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and kits for ocular drug delivery are described herein. An apparatus can include a housing, an energy storage member, a barrel, and a hub. The housing contains the energy storage member. A proximal end portion of the barrel is coupled to a distal end portion of the housing. The barrel is configured to contain medicament and includes at least a portion of a piston and an elastomeric member. The piston is configured to move the elastomeric member within the barrel in response to a force produced by the energy storage member. The hub is coupled to a distal end portion of the barrel. An inner surface of the hub defines a nozzle through which the medicament flows when the elastomeric member moves within the barrel. The nozzle and the energy storage member are collectively configured to produce a fluid jet to access a target location within an eye.

Abstract: An iontophoretic patch for transdermal delivery of biologically active agents includes at least two electrodes in contact with at least two hydrogel reservoirs. At least one of the hydrogel reservoirs carries at least one active agent and, in use of the iontophoretic patch, is disposed on a user's skin and delivers at least one active agent into the skin. The patch includes a control unit to generate a stimulation pattern having stimulation parameters delivered to stimuli locations on the skin. A stimulation unit generates a time sequence of pulses from the stimulation parameters generated by the control unit. The patch further includes a demultiplexing unit configured to perform independent spatio-temporal distribution of the electrical pulses in the time sequence of pulses to at least one electrode; at least one optical sensing system, for continuously measuring an amount of the active agent in the hydrogel reservoir; and a feedback unit.

Abstract: The cooling system cools a patient's tissue while applying suction to the skin and applying ultrasound waves to the tissue to reduce fat cells. The cooling applicator simultaneously provides suction, cooling, and ultrasound to the treatment area of the patient. The applicator connects to a suction to draw the tissue longitudinally into a cavity of the applicator. Cooling plates located laterally outward from the cavity cool the tissue during the treatment. A transducer located longitudinally above the cavity transmits ultrasound waves longitudinally downward into the cavity and the tissue. The ultrasound provides non-focused treatment such that the transducer transmits the ultrasound waves oriented horizontally and vertically longitudinally downward at the tissue. A treatment pad placed on the patient's skin directly contacts the patient such that the applicator does not directly contact the patient. The treatment pad is constructed from a fabric storing a glycerin gel, deionized water, and fructose.

Abstract: A method for treating a disease, disorder, or condition in a subject in need thereof, by administering either or both of (i) at least one photoactivatable pharmaceutical agent, or (ii) a first plurality of energy-emitting particles, into the subject in a region of the disease, disorder, or condition, whereby the administering is performed through inhalation; and applying an applied electromagnetic energy to the subject, wherein the applied electromagnetic energy directly or indirectly activates the at least one photoactivatable pharmaceutical agent, when present, and wherein when the first plurality of energy-emitting particles is present, the first plurality of energy-emitting particles absorbs the applied energy and emits an emitted electromagnetic energy, wherein the emitted electromagnetic energy interacts directly with the region of the disease, disorder, or condition or activates the at least one photoactivatable pharmaceutical agent.

Abstract: Provided are an iontophoresis device for drug delivery, a method for preparing the iontophoresis device, a kit including the iontophoresis device, and a method for delivering a drug by using the iontophoresis device.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods for wound treatment. In some embodiments, a wound dressing apparatus can comprise a wound contact layer, a spacer layer, an absorbent layer positioned on the spacer layer, an electronics unit comprising a negative pressure source and/or electronic components, wherein the absorbent layer comprises a recess configured to receive the electronics unit and the absorbent layer is configured to be in fluid communication with the electronics unit, and a cover layer configured to cover and form a seal over the wound contact layer, the spacer layer, the absorbent layer, and the electronics unit.

Abstract: A reverse electrodialysis device using a precipitation reaction, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a first cell stack alternately forming solid salt chambers and precipitation chambers through cation-exchange membranes and anion-exchange membranes which are alternately provided, and a first water-soluble solid salt and a second water-soluble solid salt which are filled in the solid salt chambers, wherein the first water-soluble solid salt and the second water-soluble solid salt are alternately filled in the solid salt chambers, and can react with each other so as to generate a precipitate in neighboring precipitation chambers when water is supplied.

Abstract: Example aspects of a volatile organic compound detection device, a wearable health monitoring device, and a method of monitoring a user's health are disclosed. The volatile organic compound detection device can comprise a collector comprising a collector material configured to collect volatile organic compounds given off from a user's skin; a separator comprising a gas chromatography column configured to separate mixtures of the volatile organic compounds into their constituent chemicals; and an identifier comprising a detector and a processor, the detector configured to transduce the constituent chemicals into a signal, the processor configured to process the signal to identify specific volatile organic compounds indicative of a health condition.

Abstract: An impedance measuring apparatus is disclosed. The impedance measuring apparatus includes an input current generator configured to generate a sinusoidal input signal of a carrier frequency, a first electrode configured to apply the sinusoidal input signal to an object which has an impedance, a second electrode configured to receive an amplitude modulated signal from the object, a first amplifier configured to amplify the received amplitude modulated signal and output a first amplified signal, a baseline signal subtractor configured to subtract a baseline signal generated based on the first amplified signal from the amplitude modulated signal and output a subtraction modulated signal, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert the subtraction modulated signal to a digital modulated signal, and an impedance measurer configured to measure the impedance based on the digital modulated signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for an electrotherapeutic system including a first and second electrode. Each electrode includes a respective resistance wherein during operation of the electrotherapeutic system, an electrochemical reaction involving one or both of the electrodes varies the respective resistance of at least one of the electrodes.

Abstract: A catheter for ultrasonic-driven bladder therapeutic agent delivery, including: a tube having a proximal expandable portion and a distal end, and at least one transducer sleeve accommodating at least one ultrasound transducer mounted on the tube between the proximal expandable portion and the distal end.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the inactivation of infectious agents in, on or around a catheter residing in a patient's body cavity. The method comprises a coupling adapter for facilitating the transmission of non-ultraviolet sterilizing electromagnetic radiation (EMR) substantially axially along an optical element into the catheter body. Through delivery of the sterilizing EMR to particular areas of highest infection, the present disclosure is able to inactivate the major sources of infection in catheters.

Abstract: A device for treating human keratinous material, in particular with the aid of an electric current. The device includes a reservoir containing a composition, in particular cosmetic or dermatological, to be applied to the keratinous material, and an end fitting for the application of the composition contained in the reservoir, the end fitting comprising a plurality of application members and a distributor. The distributor includes at least one storage cavity for the composition and supply orifices to conduct the composition from the storage cavity or cavities to the application members, and the distributor being configured so that the flow rate of the composition arriving at the application members is identical to within 20% for at least two application members, better for each application member.

Abstract: Provided is a smart contact lens for non-invasive drug delivery including a platform configured to be worn on an eye, a reservoir installed within the platform, and having a receiving part in which a drug is received, to provide the eye with the drug, an electrode for iontophoresis installed in the reservoir to make iontophoresis work, to provide the eye with the drug from the reservoir, and an activation chip electrically connected to the electrode for iontophoresis to activate iontophoresis.

Abstract: A portable transdermal administration patch apparatus comprises a communication control device and a pharmaceutical device which is fixed to and arranged at a lower end of the communication control device and electrically connected to the communication control device. The communication control device is formed of a micro-battery, a wireless control device and a micro-controller which are electrically connected. The preparation of the patch apparatus is achieved by: the preparation of medicinal patches and non-medicinal patches, the mounting of electrodes, interfacing with a micro-controller, and the communication control system, and starting administration.

Abstract: A iontophoresis method (700) is described for delivering vitamin C through the skin of a biological subject, the method comprising applying (702) a selected current profile, either continuous direct current or pulsed current or a combination of both to a biological subject. A iontophoresis composition is further described, comprising one or more of vitamin C, vitamin C derivatives, ions of vitamin C and ions of vitamin C derivatives and further comprising a silicon material and water. A iontophoresis kit for carrying out the iontophoresis method is also disclosed. The application further describes a iontophoresis device comprising an electrode assembly and circuitry configured to concurrently generate a continuous direct current stimulus and a pulsed current stimulus; a corresponding iontophoresis method for delivering a cosmetic composition to a biological subject is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel sPD-1 variant—Fc fusion proteins.

Abstract: A hand-held device for electrically assisted skin treatment includes a skin electrode and a hand electrode. An absorbent carrier material is soaked with an active ingredient. The absorbent carrier material is fastened to a ring and the ring is clippable onto the hand-held device. The absorbent carrier material extends over the skin electrode when the ring is in a clipped-on state with respect to the hand-held device.

Abstract: A variable stiffness device includes a shape-memory unit formed of at least two hollow shape-memory members connected together. Each of the shape-memory members is transitionable in phase between a first phase in which the shape-memory member is in a low stiffness state and a second phase in which the shape-memory member is in a high stiffness state. The shape-memory member in the high stiffness state has a higher level of stiffness than in the low stiffness state. Hollow portions of the shape-memory members are connected together so that the shape-memory unit has a lumen-like inner space configured to allow fluid for cooling the shape-memory members to flow. The variable stiffness device also includes a heating member configured to heat the shape-memory members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to frigostable compositions suitable for iontophoretic transdermal delivery of a triptan compound that includes: a salt of a triptan compound, preferably sumatriptan succinate, a polyamine, one or more dicarboxylic acids, 0.5 to 10.0 wt.-% (based on the total weight of the composition) of one or more monocarboxylic acids, and water or an aqueous solvent mixture. The invention further relates to the use of the composition as an integral component of an iontophoretic patch, preferably as an anodic reservoir of the patch.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a method of treating dry eyes. The method includes a plurality of visits to an eye doctor with each even numbered visit focused on a first eye and each odd numbered visit focused on a second eye. The plurality of visits comprises use of intense pulsed light (“IPL”) therapy, low level light therapy, an ocular nebulizer, dehydrated amniotic membranes, biologic eye drops, advanced lubricants, eyelid debridement, meibomian gland imaging and a slit lamp.

Abstract: A large grain quasi-single-crystal film and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The metal film having the <111> preferred orientation on its surface is subjected to mechanical tensile force to make the arrangement of crystal grains more ordered. The metal film is grown into a film with large crystal grains having an average diameter of over 500 microns by annealing at a temperature below the recrystallization temperature, thereby obtaining a large grain quasi-single-crystal film having the preferred directions of three axes. The large grain quasi-single-crystal film has a <110> preferred orientation along the tensile direction and a <211> preferred orientation along the direction vertical to the tensile force, and maintains a <111> preferred orientation on its top surface. The present invention can be used to produce highly anisotropic large-area quasi-single-crystal films, and can also be applied to grow 2-dimensional materials or develop anisotropic structures.

Abstract: A cold plasma accessory having a hand piece having within in it flexible tubing, wiring, a PCB board connected to the wiring, and a conductive connector tube electrically connected to the PCB board, the conductive connector tube having an inner channel, a rigid tube extending from the distal end of the hand piece, and an electrode within the rigid tube. The electrode comprises a conductive connector having a contact surface contacting the conductive connector tube, a distal end surface facing away from the conductive connector tube, and a channel extending through a center of the conductive connector, the channel being fluidly connected to the flexible tubing, the distal end surface of the conductive connector being outside of the channel in the conductive connector, and a conductive wire connected to the distal end surface of the conductive connector.

Abstract: A method for removing bodily fluid includes drawing bodily fluid that has accumulated in excess, converting the drawn fluid from bulk liquid form to aerosol form, and disposing of the aerosol via evaporation of liquid droplets and absorption and/or diffusion of vapor. Conversion from bulk liquid to aerosol may include collecting the bulk liquid fluid in a reservoir, conveying the bulk liquid bodily fluid to an atomizer, converting the bulk liquid fluid into an aerosol having ultrafine droplets, and ejecting the aerosol into a subcutaneous space for disposal via evaporation of liquid droplets and absorption and/or diffusion of vapors. The method may be performed with a subcutaneous atomizer that may be controlled locally or by an external transmitter for effecting a conversion and mist rate to keep pace with the accumulation of excess bodily fluid.

Abstract: A method of treating a lesion in a gastrointestinal tract and an injectate system are provided. The method includes injecting a crosslinkable gel into a first tissue layer, the crosslinkable gel increasing a volume of the first tissue layer. The method also includes providing a crosslinker and resecting a portion of a first tissue layer having the increased volume away from a second tissue layer creating an exposed region in a remaining portion of the first layer and leaving a portion of the gel covering at least a portion of the exposed region. The injectate system includes a crosslinkable gel and a crosslinker where the crosslinkable gel and the crosslinker form a crosslinked gel having a compressive modulus of about 10-500 kPa.

Abstract: Ultra-short pulsed laser radiation is applied to a patient's eye to create a row of bubbles oriented perpendicular to the axis of vision. The row of bubbles leads to a region of the eye to be ablated. In a second step, a femtosecond laser beam guided through the row of bubbles converts it to a channel perpendicular to the axis of vision. In a third step, a femtosecond laser beam is guided through the channel to ablate a portion of the eye. Using a femtosecond laser with intensity in the range of 1011-1015 W/cm2 for the second and third steps facilitates multi-photon ablation that is practically devoid of eye tissue heating. Creating bubbles in the first step increases the speed of channel creation and channel diameter uniformity, thereby increasing the precision of the subsequent multi-photon ablation.

Abstract: According to some aspects, a device is presented herein that is configured to be located underneath an eyelid and worn by a user for treating dry eye. The device includes a first surface configured to face a portion of a sclera of the eye, and a second surface configured to face an eyelid and to be completely covered by the eyelid. In some embodiments, the device further includes a plurality of stimulation electrodes proximal to the first surface, wherein the plurality of stimulation electrodes is configured to stimulate the sclera. The device further includes an energy storage element coupled to the plurality of stimulation electrodes. The energy storage element is configured to supply power to the plurality of stimulation electrodes. The device further includes a processor configured to control a supply of energy from the energy storage element to the plurality of stimulation electrodes to stimulate the sclera.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation apparatus includes a generator of sequential electrical pulses having predetermined values of parameters that include pulse amplitude, and duration and frequency of the pulses, the generator having one or more separate stimulation channels that independently deliver the pulse sequences to body areas. An electrode for each channel transmits the stimulation pulses and is applied outside the patient's skin at a predetermined region and with a predetermined position relative to the position of another electrode associated to another channel. One or more electrodes are borne by a flexible support element, fastenable in a position related to body anatomy, and are distributed on an extension of the support element according to a predetermined design, together with the pulse generator connected to the one or more electrodes or with two or more pulse generators connected to different electrodes also supported by the support element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) for delivering pharmaceutical active ingredients. The TTS includes a cover layer and at least one active-ingredient-containing carrier material. At least one retaining element is located between the active-ingredient-containing carrier material and the cover layer, with the retaining element fixing the active-ingredient-containing carrier material onto the cover layer. The invention further relates to a method for fastening an active-ingredient-containing carrier material to a cover layer of a TTS in the presence of hook-and-loop strip segments and the use of a hook-and-loop strip in transdermal or iontophoretic administration of pharmaceutical or therapeutic active ingredients to patients.

Abstract: Described is a low voltage, pulsed electrical stimulation device for controlling expression of sonic hedgehog (“Shh”), a useful protein, by tissues. Also described are methods of enhancing expression of sonic hedgehog in cells, particularly a method of stimulating the expression and/or release of Shh in a cell having a gene encoding Shh, wherein the method includes applying a bioelectric signal of less than 50 Hz (e.g., 5 Hz, 10 Hz, or 20 Hz) at a pulse width duration of, e.g., 1 ms, to the cell (e.g., directly, indirectly, or wirelessly), and wherein the amount of Shh expression enhanced by this bioelectric signal is greater than that seen with a prior art bioelectric muscle stimulation or bioelectric muscle contraction alone as may be determined by, e.g., by an analysis of the upregulation of mRNA level/GAPDH fold gene expression in the cell.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to a medical device for treating a cancerous tumor, including an electric field generating circuit configured to generate one or more electric fields at or near a site of the cancerous tumor and control circuitry in communication with the electric field generating circuit. The medical device includes one or more supply wires in electrical communication with the electric field generating circuit and one or more supply electrodes. The supply electrodes are configured to deliver an electric field at or near the site of the cancerous tumor. The medical device can include one or more sensing wires in electrical communication with the control circuitry and one or more sensing electrodes. The sensing electrodes can be configured to measure an impedance of the cancerous tumor at at least two different electric field strengths. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a preparation delivery assembly including: a first substrate, a second substrate, and at least two needles of different lengths, each of which is a hollow needle having a hollow structure; wherein two side walls are provided between the first substrate and the second substrate to define a first chamber for containing a preparation by the first substrate, the second substrate, and the two side walls; at least one first channel that is in communication with the first chamber is provided in the second substrate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second substrate; and the needles are arranged on a surface of the second substrate distal to the first substrate, and each of the needles is in communication with the first chamber through the at least one first channel to deliver the preparation.

Abstract: Tumor treating fields (TTFields) can be delivered to a subject's body at higher field strengths by switching off one or more electrode elements that are overheating without switching off other electrode elements that are not overheating. This may be accomplished using a plurality of temperature sensors, with each of the temperature sensors positioned to sense the temperature at a respective electrode element; and a plurality of electrically controlled switches, each of which is wired to switch the current to an individual electrode element on or off. A controller input signals from the temperature sensors to determine the temperature at each of the electrode elements, and controls the state of the control input of each of the electrically controlled switches to selectively switch off the current or adjusted the duty cycle at any electrode element that is overheating.

Abstract: A balloon catheter including a catheter shaft and an inflatable balloon secured to a distal end region of the catheter shaft. The inflatable balloon has a generally conical shape in a fully inflated configuration having a proximal conical portion that tapers away from the central longitudinal axis in a distal direction from a proximal waist of the balloon and a distal conical portion that tapers toward the central longitudinal axis in a distal direction toward a distal waist of the balloon, with a radially outermost extent of the balloon located between the proximal conical portion and the distal conical portion. The proximal conical portion, the distal conical portion and/or the radially outermost extent of the balloon has an elliptical cross-section taken in a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A neuromodulation such as ultrasound therapy having a cuff and transducer to removably position on a penis of a patient in order to treat premature ejaculation. The transducer stimulates a dorsal nerve of the penis in order to stimulate or inhibit the nerve pathway between the penis and the brain in order to delay ejaculation until the user or their partner desires to have an ejaculation occur.

Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic applications, including a tubular member having a handling end portion having a flexible portion and actuating devices located at the other end portion, and longitudinal elements for transferring the movement of the actuating devices to the handling end portion resulting in a change of orientation thereof, whereby the handling end portion includes at least two independent flexible portions, whereby the actuating end portion has a corresponding number of actuating devices, and whereby each actuating device is connected by its own set of longitudinal elements to a part of the handling end portion for effecting a change of orientation of one of the flexible portions.