Fixation methods for devices in tubular structures

Abstract

A method and system of traversing a device through an accommodating conduit to reach a target area within the accommodating conduit can include varying an amount of elasticity of the device or an amount of torsion moment of the device applied to the accommodating conduit or varying both to minimize bending forces as the device traverses the accommodating conduit. The method or system upon reaching the target area within the accommodating conduit, can further include varying the elasticity or the torsion moment of the device or varying both to cause the device to stiffen. Other embodiments are disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A earphone fixation device comprising:
 an insertion member, wherein the insertion member includes:
 a stent; and 
 an electro active polymer element; 
   a flange attached to the insertion member;   an expandable member attached to the insertion member;   a memory that stores instructions; and   a processor that is configured to execute the instructions to perform operations, the operations comprising:
 sending a signal to the electro active polymer element to stiffen the electro active polymer element. 
   
     
     
         2 . The earphone according to  claim 1 , the operations further comprising:
 sending a signal to the electro active polymer element to change the elasticity of the electroactive polymer element.   
     
     
         3 . The earphone according to  claim 2 , the operations further comprising:
 sending a signal to the electro active polymer element to change the torsion of the insertion element.   
     
     
         4 . The earphone according to  claim 2 , the operations further comprising:
 selectively stiffening the element to change the torsion moment of the fixation device.   
     
     
         5 . The earphone according to  claim 2 , where the signal is a voltage signal. 
     
     
         6 . The earphone according to  claim 3 , where the signal is a voltage signal. 
     
     
         7 . The earphone according to  claim 5 , wherein the fixation device includes:
 a speaker.   
     
     
         8 . The earphone according to  claim 6 , wherein the fixation device includes:
 a speaker.   
     
     
         9 . The earphone according to  claim 7 , wherein the fixation device includes:
 a microphone.   
     
     
         10 . The earphone according to  claim 8 , wherein the fixation device includes:
 a microphone.   
     
     
         11 . The earphone according to  claim 9 , the operations further comprising:
 sending a signal to a pump to inflate the expandable element.   
     
     
         12 . The earphone according to  claim 10 , the operations further comprising:
 sending a signal to a pump to inflate the expandable element.   
     
     
         13 . The earphone according to  claim 11 , the operations further comprising:
 sending a signal to a pump to deflate the expandable element.   
     
     
         14 . The earphone according to  claim 12 , the operations further comprising:
 sending a signal to a pump to deflate the expandable element.