Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of endoscopy and specifically to endoscopic apparatus used for endoscopic procedures during which a flexible tube is inserted into the rectum and colon for examination of the colon interior for abnormalities. More particularly, the present invention refers to a control system for supplying a fluid medium, e.g. air, carbon dioxide, water, to the endoscope.

Abstract: A control system for supplying fluid medium to an endoscopic apparatus which comprises an operation handle and an insertion tube provided with an insufflation channel, an irrigation channel and a suction channel extending therealong. The control system is provided with a system control unit with at least one source of a first fluid medium, with a source of a second fluid medium, with a source of vacuum and with a multifunctional connector for bringing the operation handle in fluid and electrical communication with the system control unit. The source of the first fluid medium and the source of the second fluid medium are simultaneously connectable to and disconnectable from the insufflation channel and the irrigation channel.

Abstract: A device for sealing and cutting a disposable multilumen tubing used with an endoscopic apparatus is disclosed. The device comprises a first jaw and a second jaw pivotally articulated to one another, each having a front portion and a rear portion. At least one heating assembly is fixed within the front portion of at least one of the jaws, said heating assembly having a heating element. There also is wiring for connecting the heating assembly to an energy source, supplying electrical power thereto. At least one operating handle engagement portion is provided, which positions the device with respect to a port provided at an operating handle of the endoscopic apparatus and secures the device with respect to the multilumen tubing.

Abstract: A disposable brief for patient use in a colonoscopy procedure is disclosed. The brief comprises at least one back panel with at least one slit constituting an opening, allowing access to an anus of the patient. A fastening means surrounds the opening and is intended for attaching a dispensing assembly used with an endoscopic probe to the brief.

Abstract: A stand for supporting at least an operating handle and an insertion tube of an endoscopic apparatus is disclosed. The stand includes a hanger member and a post member. Said hanger member has a first shoulder portion adapted for supporting an umbilical cord of the endoscopic apparatus, an intermediate portion adapted for supporting the operating handle, a carrier portion adapted for supporting the insertion tube and a second shoulder portion adapted for retaining a distal end of the insertion tube in an upright position.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) for deployment of a sensor chip of an optical head of an endoscope is described. The PCB comprises at least one layer defined by a front surface, a rear surface and a recess provided on said front surface. The recess has a depth dimension and the sensor chip has a thickness corresponding to said depth dimension of the recess. The sensor chip is receivable within the recess so as to be essentially flush with the front surface of the PCB. The PCB comprises at least one bonding pad located at a predetermined distance from the sensor chip and is electrically connectable with the sensor chip.

Abstract: A combined component for use with an endoscopic apparatus for inspecting a body channel of gastrointestinal system of a patient is disclosed. The endoscopic apparatus comprises an insertion tube coverable by a covering sleeve deployable on the insertion tube upon advancing the insertion tube into the body channel. The combined component comprises an outer housing portion and an inner bushing portion. The inner bushing portion is receivable within the housing portion such that an annular space is provided therebetween for retaining the covering sleeve thereinto. The outer housing portion is provided with a bite portion, to be grasped between the patient's teeth.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing of disposable protecting sleeve is described. The sleeve is intended for covering of at least a portion of a flexible insertion tube of an endoscope. The dispenser comprises frontal housing detachably connectable to a rear housing. The frontal housing comprises cover assembly detachably connected thereto and the rear housing comprises sleeve anchoring member and a retaining assembly. The retaining assembly is provided with a distribution bushing through which a lubricant can be distributed and dislodged on the insertion tube. The distribution bushing is elastically deformable and is deployed within the retaining assembly with possibility for relative rotation with respect to the retaining assembly.

Abstract: A cap, which is detachably connectable to an optical head of an endoscope, has a tubular housing, which is manufactured by injection molding from translucent plastic material. The housing includes a rear open end and a frontal end closed by a frontal face and an antiglare ring for preventing a viewer of the optical head from viewing parasitic reflections. The antiglare ring is embedded within the frontal face of the cap and said optical head can view an object of interest through a portion of the frontal face which is confined by the antiglare ring. The antiglare ring is provided with at least one discontinuity region through which the plastic material can flow during injection molding of the cap.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus including an internal unit, adapted to be advanced into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient so as to enable inspection of the tract, an anchor unit, adapted to be held in a position outside the gastrointestinal tract and a flexible sleeve, having a proximal end fixed to the anchor and a distal end fixed to the internal unit, wherein at least a portion of the sleeve between the proximal end distal ends is held initially in a compact state at the internal unit and is arranged to feed out from the internal unit as the internal unit is advanced into the gastrointestinal tract. A method for endoscopic examination is also disclosed.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus for endoscopic examination of a body channel or cavity is described. The endoscopic apparatus comprises an insertion tube with at least one channel, which is in flow communication with the body channel or cavity. The endoscopic apparatus comprises also a pressure relief arrangement fitted with a valve, which is in flow communication with the body channel or cavity. The valve is suitable for preventing an inner pressure within the body channel or cavity to exceed a threshold value.

Abstract: A cover for protecting a flexible shaft of an endoscopic tool from contamination and from the environment is disclosed. The cover comprises a storing portion for receiving the shaft of the endoscopic tool and a proboscis portion, which is connectable to the storing portion so as to be in flow communication therewith and to define a passage for the tool shaft when it is being protracted from the storing portion or retracted in the storing portion.

Abstract: A protective sleeve is disclosed for protecting a flexible shaft of an endoscopic tool from contamination or the environment. The protective sleeve comprises a first protective sleeve portion for receiving the shaft of the endoscopic tool, a second protective portion, which is attachable to a port of an endoscope, and a tubular guide member through which the shaft of the endoscopic tool can be longitudinally displaced when the shaft is being either retracted from a port of an endoscope or protracted thereinto.

Abstract: The present invention concerns monitoring and tracking of disposable components employed in endoscopes. In particular the invention is described in connection with tracking of a disposable component of a gastrointestinal endoscope. The disposable component is provided with a passive RFID tag programmed with identification information. The RFID tag is capable upon energizing by a transceiver of transmitting the identification information to the transceiver.

Abstract: A control system for supplying a fluid medium to an endoscopic apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an operation handle and an insertion member insertable within a body channel, wherein there is provided a protection sleeve adapted to cover at least a portion of the insertion member. The control system comprises a system control unit with a pump for supplying compressed air at least to the channel for inflating the sleeve. The system control unit is provided with a duct, which is in fluid communication with the pump. The duct comprises a first branch through which the compressed air from the pump passes to the sleeve and a second branch having exit to atmosphere, said second branch is provided with a controllable flow regulating means.