Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic applications, including a tubular member having a handling end portion having a flexible portion and actuating devices located at the other end portion, and longitudinal elements for transferring the movement of the actuating devices to the handling end portion resulting in a change of orientation thereof, whereby the handling end portion includes at least two independent flexible portions, whereby the actuating end portion has a corresponding number of actuating devices, and whereby each actuating device is connected by its own set of longitudinal elements to a part of the handling end portion for effecting a change of orientation of one of the flexible portions.

Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic applications, including a tubular member having a handling end portion having a flexible portion and actuating devices located at the other end portion, and longitudinal elements for transferring the movement of the actuating devices to the handling end portion resulting in a change of orientation thereof, whereby the handling end portion includes at least two independent flexible portions, whereby the actuating end portion has a corresponding number of actuating devices, and whereby each actuating device is connected by its own set of longitudinal elements to a part of the handling end portion for effecting a change of orientation of one of the flexible portions.

Abstract: A steerable tube for endoscopic applications includes a set of longitudinal elements arranged for interconnecting a proximal and a distal end portion of the steerable tube. The set of longitudinal elements is arranged for transferring a movement of the proximal to the distal end portion. The tube further includes an actuator coupled to the set of longitudinal elements at the proximal end portion, for manipulating the set of longitudinal elements, a flexible body that is arranged between the proximal and distal end portions for accommodating the set of longitudinal elements, and a coupling arrangement for establishing an adjustable coupling between the actuator and at least one of the longitudinal elements, thereby allowing the longitudinal elements to assume different lengths between the proximal and distal end portions. An endoscopic instrument, an endoscope and an assembly including a steerable tube set forth are also described.

Abstract: A steerable tube for endoscopic applications includes a first, a second and a third part. The first part includes a first movable portion and the third part includes a second movable portion. The steerable tube includes longitudinal elements that are constructed and arranged such that a change in orientation of the first movable portion of the first part with respect to the second part results in a change in orientation of the second movable portion of the third part with respect to the second part. The longitudinal elements are constructed and arranged such that they are twisted and/or that they are twistable. An endoscopic instrument and an endoscope including the steerable tube, and an assembly including an endoscopic instrument and the endoscope are also described.

Abstract: A handle 1 for controlling instruments, includes a frame 2 with a center line 9, operating elements 4, 10, 24 that are connected to the frame 2, which operating elements 4, 10, 24 are movable between a first and a second position, an actuator element 6 that is controllable by the operating elements 4, 10, 24, which actuator element 6 is constructed and arranged for controlling an instrument 53 that is arranged at a distance from the handle 1. The operating elements 4, 10, 24 are arranged in a rotationally symmetric configuration that is concentric with the center line 9 of the frame 2. An endoscopic instrument 60 including a tube like element 50, a tool 53 and a handle 1, and an assembly 80 including an endoscopic instrument 60 and an endoscope 70 are also described.