US Patent 9730834 Variable stiffness cannula and methods for a surgical system

Described herein is an apparatus for treatment of an ocular condition of a patient, comprising a hollow elongate member sized to penetrate an eye of the patient and including a body portion, a distal tip, and a lumen extending though both. The body portion includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a first diameter, and defines longitudinal axis. The distal tip extends from the distal end of the body portion and is arranged to treat tissue in the eye. The distal tip includes an inner tube defining the lumen in part, an outer sheath surrounding the inner tube, and a second diameter. The distal tip is configured to transition between a first rigid orientation and a second less rigid orientation.