Abstract: An endoscope (1) comprising a control handle (2), a flexible insertion portion (3) having length L1 and being attached to the distal end of the control handle, a bending portion (4) having length L2 and being attached to the distal end of the flexible insertion portion, a rigid tip portion (5) having length L3 and being attached to the distal end of the bending portion, a control mechanism arranged to control the bending of the bending portion, and an elastic covering member (12) which is arranged to cover the bending portion and where the distal end of said elastic covering member is attached to the distal end (16) of said bending section and/or to said rigid tip portion (14) and where the proximal end of said elastic covering member is attached to the flexible insertion portion (18) and/or to the proximal end of the bending portion. The elastic covering member is arranged such that it is stretched when the bending portion is in its neutral position.

Abstract: A head immobilization device, or head immobilizer, is disclosed. The head immobilizer includes an adjustable stable structure obtained by a middle wall standing vertically above the patient's head. The middle wall in an operative condition restricts hinges from up and down movement in a first perpendicular plane, and sideways movement in a second perpendicular plane, while still allowing vertical side walls to be folded flat against the temple areas of a patient's head. This structure permits the head immobilizer to secure a large variety of head sizes. Attachment flanges for the side walls are secured to the board at an angle of approximately 90° to the middle wall. This attachment locks the structure from movement in a third perpendicular plane. The patient's head is prevented from moving forward by a restraining band joining the two side walls across the patient's forehead.