Abstract: A method for inserting an endoscope into the colon of a patient includes providing a generally rigid insert having proximal and distal ends and having a curved channel passing therethrough with a lateral opening at the distal end. The insert is inserted into the patient's rectum so that the distal end is in proximity to the sigmoid flexure of the colon. The endoscope is then passed through the channel and into the sigmoid colon.

Abstract: Endoscopic apparatus, including a probe (9) having an anterior component (12) and a posterior component (14), and a flexible dual-sleeved tube (31). The flexible dual-sleeved tube consists of a flexible external sleeve (26) and a flexible internal sleeve (36) within the external sleeve. The sleeves are coupled between the anterior component and the posterior component so as to define an enclosure (37) between the sleeves, which enclosure is inflated in order to propel the anterior component within a lumen (49).

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: A video endoscope includes a generally rigid, elongate insertion member, having distal and proximal ends, and a video camera head fixed at the distal end of the insertion member. A sheath fits over and covers the insertion member, the sheath having a distal portion covering the video camera head, at least a section of which distal portion is substantially transparent.

Abstract: Endoscopic apparatus which advances within a lumen (40) includes a probe (20) having distal and proximal ends and a flexible sleeve (26) coupled proximally to the probe. The sleeve is inflated in order to propel the probe within the lumen. The probe typically includes an imaging device (28), which captures images inside the lumen.

Abstract: A video endoscope includes a generally rigid; elongate insertion member having distal and proximal ends, and a video camera head fixed at the distal end of the insertion member. A sheath fits over and covers the insertion member, the sheath having a distal portion covering the video camera head, at least a section of which distal portion is substantially transparent. The distal portion of the sheath further including a narrowed tip comprising two or more leaves which are closed during insertion through the anus and open apart after insertion to expose the transparent section of the distal portion of the sheath.

Abstract: An optical viewing system includes an optical viewing device in a housing having a socket at its inner end for application to a person's finger, a focussing lens at its outer end for focussing images in the region in front of the focussing lens, and an image sensor for transforming the images to electrical signals. A remote monitor unit receives the electrical signals and displays the images received by the image sensor.