Steerable medical puncture instrument

Abstract

The invention is directed to a steerable mandrel comprising a stationary part and a movable part. The stationary part comprises a tubular sleeve having a mantle wall with a longitudinal semi-circumferential opening or weakening, which divides the stationary part into a proximal portion located on a proximal side of the longitudinal semi-circumferential opening or weakening and a distal portion located on distal side of the longitudinal semi-circumferential opening or weakening. The movable part comprises a rod-like member, which is slidable within the proximal portion of the stationary part. The movable part is attached to distal portion of the stationary part, such that relative movement of the movable part in relation to the stationary part causes a bending of the mandrel.

1 . A mandrel comprising a stationary part and a movable part,
 the stationary part comprising a tubular sleeve having a mantle wall with a longitudinal semi-circumferential opening or weakening, which divides the stationary part into a proximal portion on the proximal side of the opening or weakening and a distal portion on the distal side of the opening or weakening;   the movable part comprising a rod-like member, which is slidable within the proximal portion of the stationary part; wherein the movable part is attached to the distal portion of the stationary part, and wherein the stationary part further comprises an end portion at the distal portion, said end portion having a circular cross-section, and wherein a distal portion of the movable part is attached to the end portion of the stationary part.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . A mandrel according to  claim 1 , wherein the movable part ends in a distal end portion which extends beyond the distal end of the stationary part, to thereby form the distal end of the mandrel. 
     
     
         4 . A mandrel according to  claim 1 , wherein the stationary part ends in a narrowed end portion which extends beyond the distal end of the movable part, to thereby form the distal end of the mandrel. 
     
     
         5 . A mandrel according to  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal semi circumferential opening is provided with an elastic material. 
     
     
         6 . Steerable medical instrument comprising a sleeve and a mandrel according to  claim 1 , wherein the mandrel is adapted to be introduced into the sleeve. 
     
     
         7 . A mandrel according to  claim 1 , wherein the movable part, when moved, exerts force on the stationary part that is offset from a longitudinal centreline of the mandrel. 
     
     
         8 . A mandrel according to  claim 1 , wherein the stationary part has a semi-circular cross-section along the opening. 
     
     
         9 . A mandrel according to  claim 1 , wherein the movable part is attached to the end portion by means of an attachment layer. 
     
     
         10 . A mandrel according to  claim 9 , wherein the attachment layer is glue or soldering. 
     
     
         11 . Steerable medical instrument according to  claim 6 , wherein the movable part, at its proximal end, is provided with a turnable handle attached to an elongated piston-like member. 
     
     
         12 . Steerable medical instrument according to  claim 11 , wherein the handle is turnable in a first direction such that the distal portion of the stationary part is bent in a first direction. 
     
     
         13 . Steerable medical instrument according to  claim 12 , wherein the handle is turnable in a second direction such that the distal portion of the stationary part is bent in a second direction, opposite to said first direction.