SHAPE-TRANSFERRING CANNULA SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE
A rigidizable medical device comprising a rigidizable element actuatable between a first state and a second state, wherein the rigidizable element is flexible in the first state and rigid in the second state. The rigidizable medical device further comprises a passive element coupled to the rigidizable element and extending parallel to the rigidizable element, wherein the passive element is more rigid than the rigidizable element in the first state of the rigidizable element and is more flexible than the rigidizable element in the second state of the rigidizable element. The rigidizable and passive elements are configured to slide longitudinally relative to one another.
1 . A rigidizable medical device comprising:
a rigidizable element actuatable between a first state and a second state, wherein the rigidizable element is flexible in the first state and rigid in the second state; and
a passive element coupled to the rigidizable element and extending parallel to the rigidizable element, wherein the passive element is more rigid than the rigidizable element in the first state of the rigidizable element and is more flexible than the rigidizable element in the second state of the rigidizable element, and
wherein the rigidizable and passive elements are configured to slide longitudinally relative to one another.
2 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the rigidizable element is positioned concentrically within the passive element.
3 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the passive element is positioned concentrically within the rigidizable element.
4 . The medical device of claim 1 , further comprising a vibrating device coupled to the passive element, wherein in the second state of the rigidizable element, the vibrating device is energized to vibrate the passive element as the passive element is moved relative to the rigidizable element.
5 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the medical device is part of a cannula system.