Steerable medical device with strain relief elements

Abstract

A steerable medical instrument, such as a catheter or endoscope, comprises a tubular body having non-steerable section and steerable sections arranged from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. The tubular body defines a tool channel and a plurality of wire conduits formed along the wall of the tubular body. The steerable section includes wire-guiding members arranged in lengthwise direction alternated with void regions. A control wire arranged in a first conduit within the wall of the tubular body is connected to an actuator and transfers an actuating force to bend the steerable section. An electrical cable arranged along the wall of the tubular body has strain relief elements. The strain relief elements are portions of the cable arranged in at least one void region and configured to freely move within the void regions to provide strain relief to the electrical cable when the tubular body bends.