| abstract |
A steerable surgical device includes a flexible joint positioned between first and second tubular elements, with multiple shape memory alloy wire elements extending across or through the joint being circumferentially spaced relative to one another and independently actuatable to effectuate pivotal movement between the first and second tubular elements (e.g., along at least two or at least three nonparallel planes) to provide enhanced maneuverability relative to single degree of freedom steerable devices. Longitudinal guide structures (e.g., channels or bores) and/or anchor points for shape memory alloy wire elements may be circumferentially spaced in or on the tubular elements to receive the shape memory alloy wire elements. |