Abstract: The present invention is primarily directed to a sleeve device comprising a thin-walled elongate internal tubular membrane which is suitable for being fitted around the external surface of an elongate medical instrument, wherein at least one longitudinally-disposed inflatable channel having a closed distal end is affixed to the outer surface of said membrane, and wherein each of said inflatable channels is capable of being expanded laterally such that an elongate medical instrument fitted with said sleeve and inserted into a body cavity would become anchored within said cavity, and such that the walls of said inflatable channel(s) would define the boundaries of one or more additional longitudinally-disposed large volume channels.

Abstract: A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, the end ones of which expand at least radially when inflated. Connecting passages provide fluid communication between each pair of adjacent chambers. A fluid source is attached to one of the end chambers. The connecting passages are such that the fluid inflates the chambers in a sequence, beginning with the chamber closest to the source, and ending with the chamber furthest from the source. The same sequence occurs when the chambers deflate, beginning with the chamber closest to the source, and ending with the chamber furthest from the source. The fluid source can either be a fluid supply tube, extending to a supply outside the lumen, or it can be built-in and carried by the device. The device can crawl either along the lumen wall or on an inserted guide wire.

Abstract: An endoscope preferably comprising an alternating propulsion system in which an endoscope shaft is advanced by means of an auxiliary means (e.g. a hose preferably including fluid pads or a guiding wire/net) in a canal-shaped cavity by the fact that the endoscope shaft and the auxiliary means are alternately resting with respect to a cavity to be inspected and, at the same time, the element not at rest can be advanced while being guided along the resting element into the cavity, or are simultaneously moved forward, wherein in the latter case the basic stiffness of the auxiliary means is higher than that of the shaft.

Abstract: An instrument comprising a cable or tube, at a distal end of which a propulsion device is provided for moving the cable or tube in a hollow space, the propulsion device being shaped like a donut lying in a plane at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the cable or tube, wherein the donut-shaped propulsion device is, at least in part, externally delimited by at least one wire gauze that is rotatable about a closed axis of the donut body, which axis lies in the plane of the donut.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting an instrument (1) in a flexible body cavity is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sheath (3) having an inner chamber (31) for accommodating the instrument (1) and an outer chamber (41) surrounding the inner chamber, thereby defining an enclosed space between the inner chamber and the outer chamber Fluid pressure is temporarily applied to thse enclosed space so as to expand the outer chamber to facilitate insertion of the instrument in the body cavity. In another embodiment the inner chamber is expandable to have a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the outer chamber, and wherein the outer chamber incorporates one or more lines of weakness for facilitating release and expansion of the inner chamber and withdrawal of the instrument from the inner chamber. In yet another embodiment the sheath includes at its distal end a convex lens for use by a camera in obtaining images of said body cavity.

Abstract: Devices for enhancing minimally invasive cardiac surgery include a visualization device including an inflatable balloon at or near the distal end. Some visualization devices also include one or more lumens for allowing the introduction of one or more devices to a surgical site through the visualization device. Systems of the invention involve a visualization device which has at least one lumen for allowing introduction of an ablation device and/or other devices. A visualization device with an inflatable balloon may be positioned to create a space between a heart and pericardium when the balloon is inflated.

Abstract: A guide tube includes a tube; a ciliary portion composed of many cilia inclined in a longitudinal direction of the tube, provided in an outer peripheral portion of the tube; and a bag as a press mechanism for pressing an insertion portion of an endoscope inserted inside the tube.

Abstract: A self propelled, endoscopic apparatus formed of a flexible, fluid-filled toroid and a motorized or powerable frame The apparatus may be used to advance a variety of accessory devices into generally tubular spaces and environments for medical and non-medical applications. The apparatus when inserted into a tubular space or environment, such as the colon of a patient undergoing a colonoscopy, is advanced by the motion of the toroid. The toroid's surface circulates around itself in a continuous motion from inside its central cavity along its central axis to the outside where its surface travels in the opposite direction until it again rotates into its central cavity. As the device advances within the varying sizes, shapes and contours of body lumens, the toroid compresses and expands to accommodate and navigate the environment. The motion of the toroid can be powered or unpowered and the direction and speed may be controlled.

Abstract: An anoscope kit comprising an anoscope having a plurality of spaced apart fingers having free ends and a dilator removably positionable within the anoscope to aid insertion of the anoscope. The dilator has a proximal region, an intermediate region and a distal region, the distal region including an enlarged distal head. A ramped surface extends from the enlarged distal head toward the intermediate region, the intermediate region having an outer surface to contact the fingers of the dilator.

Abstract: An endoscopic guide for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. The device is a semi-flexible over-tube extending from the incisors through stomach and into the peritoneum. The over-tube has an inflatable balloon at its midpoint to occlude the esophageal lumen and prevent potential reflux of gastric content into the esophagus. The distal end is surrounded by two narrow inflatable balloons that are utilized on either side of the gastrotomy to keep the device in place with its lumen open into the peritoneum. The over-tube has a valve at the proximal opening that prevents leakage or peritoneal insufflation. The over-tube sheaths and protects the esophagus and guides instruments into the peritoneum. This device avoids re-intubation of the esophagus, promotes safe and easy access with increased efficiency and accuracy of insertion of the endoscope and other instruments, minimizes risks of perforation or other mucosal injuries, and allows secure control of the gastrotomy.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an endoscope accessory. This device uses an overtube with an inflatable positioning balloon that can be inflated after placement of the overtube just proximal to the tip of the endoscope or echoendoscope. This balloon creates a temporary blockade of the gastrointestinal tract proximal to the portion that needs to be examined. The other part of the device is a catheter with an occlusion balloon affixed to its free endportion and can be passed through a passageway within the overtube and extended beyond the tip of the endoscope, distal to the part of the gastrointestinal tract that needs to be examined. Inflation of this balloon together with positioning balloon creates a closed space within the body cavity that can be filled with air or water for improving the quality of the examination with regular endoscope of echoendoscope, respectively, while reducing the examination complications.

Abstract: A balloon controller for an endoscope apparatus which enables an operator to correctly and immediately grasp circumstances relating to an abnormal condition at the time of occurrence of the abnormal condition. The balloon controller controls expansion and shrinkage of each of a first balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope and a second balloon attached to an insertion assist implement, by supplying air to the balloon or drawing air from the balloon. Pressure indicating portions on which the values of pressures in the first and second balloons are displayed are provided in a front surface of a main body of the balloon controller. When an abnormal condition occurs, an error code and the pressure values are alternately displayed on the pressure indicating portions.

Abstract: A system and method provides active propulsion of endoscopes along body lumens. The propulsion system can be attached to a commercially available endoscope, or be provide affixed together, and moves the endoscope in a lumen by pulling it forward. A rotatable toroidal wall, e.g. annular invaginated balloon, provides the propulsion. A drive assembly rotates the toroid while maintaining the toroid's position along the endoscope. The toroid is radially extended or inflated within the lumen to engage its outer surface to the lumen. The toroidal rotation tracks the lumen wall for propulsion. Stops maintain the rotating toroid's position on the endoscope. A helical screw within the toroid engages patterned protrusions around the toroid; screw rotation advances the protrusions to rotate the toroid wall. A fitted belt coupled to a groove in the toroid provides alternative actuation. Colonoscopy is substantially improved, reducing anesthesia and other requirements and costs, and improving safety.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for navigating surgical tools within a body cavity. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for displacing a surgical tool within a body conduit such as an intestine. Embodiments comprise a balloon catheter having a shaft, and a surgical tool operable to slide along that shaft. In some embodiments the surgical tool comprises a second balloon catheter.

Abstract: A catheter introducer system for endoscopy is disclosed which includes a steering section and a propulsion section located near the end of the catheter that is introduced in a body cavity, and a non-collapsible sheath defining a working channel. The propulsion section is designed to pull the rest of the catheter inside the body cavity, so there is no need to push the catheter along. The propulsion section further includes gripping members, such as inflatable balloons, that are axially movable relative to the catheter. The catheter can thus be made very flexible in bending, and a larger diameter catheter can be used without discomfort to the patient.

Abstract: In an endoscope apparatus of the present invention, an one-side gap between a tube main body of an overtube and an insertion portion is set at 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. Lubricity is improved because a lubricating liquid such as water supplied from the injection port to the base end side of the tube main body is sufficiently supplied to the whole area of the gap between the tube main body and the insertion portion by setting the one-side gap at not less than 0.5 mm. Also, the snaking of the insertion portion with respect to the tube main body can be held to a minimum by setting the one-side gap at not more than 1.5 mm. As a result of this, the insertion and extraction operability of the insertion portion with respect to the overtube is improved.

Abstract: A first balloon is fitted to an insertion portion of an endoscope and a second balloon is fitted to an insertion aid member. An end connector of a tube is connected to a balloon control device that supplies and sucks air into and from the first balloon and the second balloon. A duct that communicates with the first balloon, a duct that communicates with the second balloon, and a duct that communicates with a clearance between the insertion portion and the insertion aid member are formed in the end connector.

Abstract: A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, adjacent chambers being fluidly connected, and a fluid source attached to one end of the set, such that the chambers inflate sequentially. The chambers are constructed of an elastic material and have a wall thickness and dimensions such that they have a characteristic with a non-monotonous relationship between the inflation pressure within the chamber and the chamber's inflated size. The characteristic is such that after an initial inflation pressure peak, the non-monotonous relationship adopts a negative slope, such that the volume of the chamber increases more rapidly than the volume of fluid flowing into it, and the inflation pressure of the chamber falls. This effect causes the chamber to inflate and anchor rapidly, while essentially slowing down the inflation of the succeeding chamber until inflation of the first is complete.

Abstract: An endoscope insertion aid includes: a tubular member which allows an insertion portion of an endoscope to be passed through in a manner being capable of moving forward and backward. A holding unit, which is provided on an outer peripheral side of the tubular member, can be inflated and deflated. A thread-like member, which is connected at one end to the tubular member and passed at the other end into a channel, extends from an opening of the channel. A thread-like member fixing unit which restrains the thread-like member and thereby restricts movement of the tubular member. A restraining member which supplies and discharges the fluid into/from the holding unit, being disposed to the insertion portion, being connected at one end to the tubular member, extends at the other end to the proximal end side of the insertion portion. A restraining member fixing unit which holds the tubular member.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method for use with an endoscope are disclosed. A flexible overtube having a proximal end and a distal end defines a hollow lumen therebetween to receive a flexible shaft portion of an endoscope therein. The proximal end of the flexible overtube is configured to remain outside of a patient and the distal end is configured to enter the patient through a natural orifice. At least one fluid tight seal is located at the proximal end of the flexible overtube to prevent leakage of fluids around the flexible shaft of the endoscope when the flexible shaft of the endoscope is positioned within the flexible overtube. The system further includes a flexible endoscope. The method includes introducing the system into a patient though a natural orifice of the patient and performing an endoscopic translumenal procedure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can be used to dilate a tissue within the body of a patient to create a working space within the body to allow a surgeon to easily advance an endoscope into a patient's body. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument can include a balloon capable of transitioning from a collapsed position to an expanded position and a sleeve at least partially surrounding the balloon when the balloon is in the collapsed position. The sleeve includes at least one frangible portion that may at least partially release along the frangible portion when the balloon transitions from the collapsed position to the expanded position. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument further includes a catheter, a needle, an endoscope or an endoscopic trocar.

Abstract: A system including an overtube configured to radially expand facilitates insertion of instruments in a patient. The system is directed to an overtube comprising an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end, the overtube configured to radially expand from an insertion configuration to an expanded configuration, and including at least one articulation section having at least one degree of freedom and including a main channel expandable in the radial direction, and at least one additional channel. The at least one articulation section can radially expand. The system may include a radially expandable overtube having an optical channel configured to receive an optical device. The main channel and/or the at least one additional channel may be sized to receive one or more medical instruments.

Abstract: An access system includes a proximal handle, an overtube coupled to the handle, and an endoscope port extending through handle and overtube sized for receiving an endoscope therethrough. The overtube includes anatomic wall securing system that secures a distal portion of the overtube within a hole in the anatomic wall. The overtube is provided with a shaped distal portion or a controllably shapeable distal portion that aids in directing an endoscope inserted through the port to a particular location within the peritoneal cavity. The access system includes a system for insufflating/deflating the peritoneal space separately from the body cavity accessible via a natural orifice. The access system includes a closure system to cinch closed the hole made in the anatomical wall after the access system has been removed from the hole. Methods are provided for inserting the access system through the anatomical wall to perform intra-abdominal surgery.

Abstract: A natural orifice translucent endoscopic surgery (NOTES) comprises a thin, flexible body preferably made from a lubricious film. The port body also includes a coupler to removably attach the port body to an endoscope received through the port body. According to embodiments, the port body also includes a structurally modifiable port body that can be modified while the port body is within the patient. In one embodiment, the port body is constructed with a channel that preferably coils around the port body. The channel can be inflated and deflated to provide relative degrees of rigidity to the port body.

Abstract: The dilation balloon of the subject invention preferably comprises a balloon portion mounted about a shaft that, when inflated, produces a configuration comprising a tapered distal end and a proximal end or butt that is substantially flat (preferably truncated) and is adapted to generally conform with the outer contours of an endoscope through which it is introduced when the balloon is pulled back against the endoscope face. The close engagement of the subject balloon catheter and endoscope, when forming a balloon-scope train, enables the scope to more readily navigate strictures and tortuous body lumen, as well as allows the balloon to act as a lens for viewing anatomical structure within the body lumen, such as tumors, strictures, and the inner luminal wall surface itself.

Abstract: According to the endoscope system of the present invention, when the image pickup device of the first endoscope device detects illumination light irradiated from the illumination device of the second endoscope device, the control device performs control so as to reduce light quantity of the illumination device of the second endoscope device based on the level of luminance signal outputted from the solid state image pickup element of the image pickup device, and when the image pickup device of the second endoscope device detects illumination light irradiated from the illumination device of the first endoscope device, the control device performs control so as to reduce light quantity of the illumination device of the first endoscope device based on the level of luminance signal outputted from the solid state image pickup element of the image pickup device.

Abstract: A lumenal camera assembly includes housing and a pill cam supports the housing. The housing is shaped and dimensioned for placement within the pylorus.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a catheter having a distal end insertable within a body lumen and having longitudinally spaced apart and circumferentially-protruding first and second pods. The first pod has a first exterior surface with a first surface portion. The first surface portion includes an energizable first electrode pair of circumferentially-spaced-apart electrodes. The first surface portion has a shape adapted to advance the first pod within the lumen upon contraction of muscular lumen tissue contacting an energized first electrode pair. The second pod has a second exterior surface with a second surface portion. The second surface portion includes an energizable second electrode pair of circumferentially-spaced-apart electrodes. The second surface portion has a shape adapted to advance the second pod within the lumen upon contraction of muscular lumen tissue contacting an energized second electrode pair.

Abstract: A balloon attaching jig is constituted by a ring member and a pair of nail members. After the insertion of the pair of nail members into an attaching hole of a balloon, the leading end of an insertion portion of an endoscope is pushed into an opening of the ring member. The diameter of the pair of nail members is expanded by a pushing-in force of the leading end of the insertion portion generated during this pushing in. As a result of this, the leading end of the insertion portion is inserted into the attaching hole of the balloon and hence the balloon can be easily attached to the leading end of the insertion portion of the endoscope.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a hollow member whose inner surface parts are configured to be brought into contact with each other through deformation of the hollow member and the hollow member includes a convex and concave portion formed on the inner surface parts configured to be brought into contact with each other.

Abstract: An endoscope assembly including an endoscope, a selectably inflatable balloon mounted onto a distal portion of the endoscope and an external tube extending alongside the endoscope and traversing the selectably inflatable balloon.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscopic system. The system comprises a flexible endoscope insertable into a first tubular organ from a natural opening of a human body. The system further comprises an opening member which forms on a wall part of the first tubular organ an opening used to insert the endoscope into an abdominal cavity from the first tubular organ in the body, an anastomosing member which is able to anastomoses the first tubular organ with a second tubular organ in the abdominal cavity, and a cutting member with which the second tubular organ is able to be cut.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is provided for use with a biologically-compatible-fluid pressure source. The apparatus includes an inflatable guide member (30), configured to be mounted in a vicinity of a small intestinal site, and to form a pressure seal upon inflation. An elongate carrier (24) is configured to be slidably advanced through the guide member into a small intestine (20) of the subject. An imaging capsule (26) is coupled to a distal portion of the carrier. The imaging capsule includes an imaging element (42) and a piston head (40). The piston head forms a pressure seal with a wall of the small intestine and is advanced distally through the small intestine in response to pressure from the fluid pressure source.

Abstract: A method for fixing one of a balloon and a tubular member to an object with a thread for a medical equipment, may include covering the object with an end of the one of the balloon and the tubular member, winding the thread at a first pitch in a first direction from an edge of the end of the one of the balloon and the tubular member toward an intermediate position of the one of the balloon and the tubular member, and winding the thread at a second pitch in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the second pitch being shorter than the first pitch.

Abstract: In a region where an intestine is movable in the abdominal cavity, conventional endoscope apparatus have suffered from a difficulty in moving an endoscope advancing portion toward a deep intestinal portion. An apparatus for advancing an endoscope is provided, which can be easily manipulated to advance medical instruments having endoscopic functions toward a deep portion. The apparatus includes first and second medical instruments, each having, at a distal end portion thereof, a balloon portion that can be fixed to an intestinal wall. In a fixed state, the balloon portion of the first medical instrument is configured to form a gap for enabling a distal end portion of the second medical instrument to advance therethrough. In a fixed state, the balloon portion of the second medical instrument is configured to form a gap for enabling a distal end portion of the first medical instrument to advance therethrough.

Abstract: Balloon cannula systems may be used for accessing and visualizing the spine and related methods of treatment, including a forward-looking balloon system for creating a working space and the balloon system having atraumatic dissection capability to allow visualization in spine. The devices and methods described may be used, for example, to perform annulus repair, herniated disc excision, and denervation of neurological tissue; to dispense pharmacological agents and/or cell or tissue therapy agents; to diagnose disc degeneration and bony degeneration, spinal stenosis, and nucleus decompression, and to perform disc augmentation.

Abstract: A colonoscope as an endoscope has an insertion tube for insertion in a patient's gastrointestinal tract. A head portion is disposed at an end of the insertion tube, for inspecting a large intestine. In combination with this, a device for insertion guide includes a base tube mounted on the head portion. Two propulsion fins are disposed on the base tube to extend in an axial direction of the head portion. A driving mechanism with balloons shifts the propulsion fins between closed and open positions. The propulsion fins, when in the closed position, are disposed to extend along the head portion, and when in the open position, are deployed in a radial direction by setting a distal fin end thereof away from the head portion, to propel the head portion inserted in the large intestine. Furthermore, the balloons set the propulsion fins in the open position alternately with one another.

Abstract: An insertion assisting device 60 has an insertion path 70 into which an insertion portion 12 of an endoscope 100 is inserted and has a substantially tubular shape. The insertion assisting device 60 includes a ventilation opening 90 that is formed on a distal-end surface or outer circumferential surface thereof, a ventilation duct 74 that communicates with the opening 90 and is different from the insertion path 70, and a liquid reservoir tank 116 that is connected to a base-end side of the duct 74 and stores liquid flowing out of the duct 74.

Abstract: An insertion assisting tool is provided and includes an insertion path in which the insertion portion of an endoscope is inserted and a tube for fluid which is formed along the axial direction at the tubular wall portion of the insertion path. The insertion path has a circular shape in its section orthogonal to the axial direction. The tube is configured in a manner that the sectional shape thereof along the axial direction is longer in the circumferential direction than the radial direction.

Abstract: An insertion assisting tool is provided and includes a multi-lumen tube which has a tip end surface, a base end surface and an outer peripheral surface and in which each of an insertion path for inserting the insertion portion of an endoscope therein and a fluid tube formed separately from the insertion path is formed so as to penetrate from the tip end surface to the base end surface. An opening is formed at the outer peripheral surface so as to communicate with the tube. The tube is closed on the tip end surface side than the opening.

Abstract: An inflatable actuation device that advantageously utilizes fluid pressure to actuate a portion of the shaft of a flexible elongated instrument for performing medical and industrial procedure in a tortuous passage and method of use are described herein. The inflatable actuation device allows an operator to actively manipulate a portion of the elongated instrument shaft within the passage, which facilitate the insertion of the instrument, for example, a medical endoscope into the passage. The present inflatable actuation device comprises an annular bladder, which can be expanded and collapsed, with a lumen to receive the elongated instrument. The inflatable actuation device is activated by inflating the annular bladder with pressurizing fluid supplied from a pressurizing fluid supply controller outside the passage.

Abstract: An overtube comprises a flexible tubular portion in which an insertion channel is formed. An endoscope is inserted through the insertion channel. A plurality of balloons are loaded at plural positions on an outer surface of the flexible tubular portion. Specially, the balloons are expanded and shrunk selectively every use pattern, and the positions are different from each other in an axial direction of the flexible tubular portion and set to be fixed to an inner wall of either a body cavity or a tubular cavity of an object being examined at mutually different positions of the inner wall by expanding the balloons.

Abstract: Devices and methods for facilitating transvascular, minimally invasive and other “less invasive” surgical procedures generally include a sheath with an expandable balloon at the distal end, an inflation lumen for expanding the balloon, and a device passage lumen for allowing passage of one or more surgical instruments. The sheath is configured to house at least one visualization device such that an optical element of the device is positioned to view the surgical site. In some embodiments, instruments may be passed through the sheath, with the distal balloon partially or fully circumscribing or encircling the instruments. Any suitable instrument(s) may be passed through sheaths of the invention, such as a surgical clip applier for repairing a heart valve, an ablation member for treating atrial fibrillation, one or more pacemaker leads, a coronary sinus access device or the like.

Abstract: In a case where a balloon is broken and a body fluid reversely flows into a feed/discharge tube during a suction operation of a balloon control apparatus, a pump is stopped by operation-canceling section after passing of a preset predetermined time, and the suction operation of sucking the fluid into a bottle is canceled. Thereby, the amount of recovered liquid in the bottle is limited within a predetermined capacity. Thus, even in the case where the body fluid reversely flows into the feed/discharge tube, the body fluid does not overflow from the bottle, and the body liquid can properly recovered in the bottle.

Abstract: A removable, resilient atraumatic sheath for arthroscopic instruments. The sheath covers sharp edges on the arthroscopic instrument, particularly the distal tip of the rigid cannula, and thereby protects tissue and objects near a surgical site from accidental trauma. The sheath may be provided in the form of an inflow/outflow sheath that allows a surgeon to irrigate and drain a surgical field without the use of a separate irrigation instrument.

Abstract: An endoscope has an insertion tube with a nontapered or tapered dilator. The dilator may be inflated via a control handle connected to the insertion tube. The endoscope and insertion tube may be used to examine a patient and to relieve a blockage with the use of the insertion tube.

Abstract: Gastrointestinal apparatus (10) is provided, including a guiding element (16) and an inflatable mechanical device (96), adapted to pull the guiding element (16) through a colon of a patient. A gastrointestinal tool (12) is shaped to define a bore (14) therethrough, and the guiding element (16) is adapted to pass through the bore (14). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Gastrointestinal apparatus (200) is provided for use with a fluid pressure source (240). The gastrointestinal apparatus (200) includes a guiding element (214), adapted to be inserted into a colon, and a piston head (220) coupled to a distal portion of the guiding element (214). The piston head (220) is adapted to be inflated to form a first pressure seal between the piston head (220) and a wall of the colon after the guiding element (214) has been inserted into the colon, and be advanced distally through the colon in response to pressure from the fluid pressure source (240) applied to an external surface of the piston head (220). The apparatus (200) further includes a gastrointestinal tool (210) adapted to be advanced along the guiding element (214), and an annular balloon (228) coupled around a distal portion of the gastrointestinal tool (210), the balloon (228) expandable to form a second pressure seal between the distal portion of the gastrointestinal tool (210) and the wall of the colon.

Abstract: An endoscopic insertion aid includes a tube member, a pipeline and a plurality of balloons. The tube member allows an insertion section of an endoscope to be inserted therethrough, and guides the longitudinal movement of the insertion section. The pipeline is provided in the tube member, and communicates with a supply/discharge unit to supply a fluid to or discharge the fluid from the distal end of the tube member. The balloons are disposed on the outer periphery of the distal end of the tube member longitudinally along the tube member, communicate with the pipeline, and inflate/deflate in accordance with the supply/discharge of the fluid via the pipeline. The balloon disposed on the distal side of the tube member is inflated to have an outside diameter larger than that of the balloon disposed closer to the proximal side than the balloon disposed on the distal side when the balloons are inflated.

Abstract: A fluid-supplying/discharging system for use in medical devices includes a supplying/discharging device and a tubular-path-resistance changing mechanism. The supplying/discharging device includes a pump capable of supplying and discharging fluid, a tubular path having two ends, connected at one end to the pump and at the other end to a medical device, and a control device connected to the pump and configured to control the supplying and discharging of the fluid to and from the pump. The tubular-path-resistance changing mechanism changes resistance to the fluid flowing through the tubular path.