Abstract: Endoscope systems with bending sections that can bend in four directions independent of the rotatable viewing configuration of the endoscope systems are provided. Methods of using the endoscope systems in a patient’s body are further provided. The distal ends of the endoscope systems may have one or more sleeves, coverings, and/or patches surrounding at least a portion thereof.

Abstract: A snare including a snare wire. The snare wire is formed into a loop, includes an exterior surface, and exhibits a length and a cross-section. The cross-section is orthogonal to the length. The snare wire includes a groove extending helically along the length of the snare wire. The groove is defined by an open channel including an opening defined at the exterior surface. The cross-section defines a center line and a cross-sectional length. The open channel exhibits a groove depth less than half of the cross-sectional length. The open channel is bound in the cross-section by a first line and a second line, the first line intersects the first point and the second line intersects the second point, the first line and the second line are parallel to the center line, and the first line and the second line are equidistant from the center line.