Abstract: A fluorescent endoscope apparatus having: an endoscope that irradiates a subject portion to be observed with light transmitted through a light transmission device to obtain an object image of the subject portion to be observed; a normal observation light generating device for emitting normal light for performing normal light endoscope observation; a fluorescent observation light generating device for emitting excitation light for performing fluorescent light observation; an introduced-light switching device for selectively introducing, to the light transmission device of the endoscope, normal light emitted by the normal observation light generating device or excitation light emitted by the fluorescent observation light generating device; and an image sensing device for capturing a normal light image of the subject portion to be observed that can be obtained by irradiating the subject portion to be observed with normal light or excitation light or a fluorescent image that can be obtained due to irradiation wit

Abstract: A cleaning tube apparatus for an endoscope, comprises the endoscope having an observation optical system for observing a subject part at a forward-end portion, a cleaning tube detachable with respect to said endoscope, said cleaning tube being provided with a plurality of fluid jetting openings in a peripheral direction at one end of said cleaning tube, said fluid jetting openings being provided for leading cleaning fluid at least to said observation optical system, and a fluid supply unit connected to said cleaning tube, for supplying the cleaning fluid to said cleaning tube.

Abstract: A trocar comprises an obturator having a piercing tip, and a cannula for forming a passage in tissue that is punched by the piercing tip. The cannula is formed from a flexible tube or a coil tube and transforms and libitum in accordance with the shape of the surgical tool that is to be inserted into the body cavity through the cannula. Therefore, the trocar of the invention allows insertion of a surgical tool curved in a circular arc into the body cavity without requiring no enlargement of the inside diameter of the cannula.

Abstract: An endoscope provided with an elastic member between an optical lens and the distal end portion of an inserting portion of the endoscope, the optical lens being fixed to the distal end portion via the elastic member. Shock waves for crushing a calculus transmitted to the optical lens can be absorbed by the elastic member.

Abstract: An endoscope, through which the interior of a body cavity can be observed, has an operation section and an insertion section. The proximal end of the insertion section is connected to the distal end of the operation section. A conduit-type guide fiber is coupled at one end to the distal end of the insertion section. The other end of the guide fiber is connected to the operation section. The guide fiber has meandering or looped portion for absorbing the stress applied to the fiber when the insertion section is bent. Therefore, there is no possibility that the guide fiber is broken. In addition, the insertion section has a sufficient flexibility.

Abstract: In an insertion section of an endoscope according to the present invention, a plurality of flexible segment tubes, each having a predetermined length and a predetermined inside diameter, constitute necessary ducts for the endoscope, individually. The ducts include an image guide duct, light guide duct, instrument channel duct, and air/water channel duct. The flexible segment tubes are fixed in a housing tube. In manufacturing the insertion section, optical fibers and the like are inserted into the flexible tubes, fixed in the housing tube. Once the housing tube is molded, the respective sectional configurations of the flexible tubes are kept uniform, even though the housing tube may contract. Thus, the optical fibers and other elements can be inserted easily into the ducts.