Abstract: A flexible shaft for an endoscope comprises a shaft body which, in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, has a first portion with a first degree of flexibility, and, proximally from the first portion, has at least a second portion with a second degree of flexibility which is less than the first degree of flexibility, the shaft body having, in the first portion, at least a first spring element, and, in the second portion, at least a second spring element. A spring hardness of the second spring element is increased by a permanent pretensioning of the second spring element, as a result of which the flexibility of the shaft body is reduced in the second portion.

Abstract: An endoscope, in particular a duodenoscope, for mother-baby cholangioscopy, having a working canal that runs in or on a shaft of the endoscope and includes an outlet opening distally on the endoscope head, so that the working canal includes at least a first insertion opening, which lies in an area of the shaft far from the proximal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope having a shaft in which at least one working channel is positioned and having on the distal end of the shaft an endoscope head, such that the part of the working channel contained in the endoscope head can be rotated with respect to the related working channel by a Bowden cable that is mounted on a control handle on the proximal end by a collet. To configure an endoscope in such a manner that it ensures simple construction as well as a constantly even tension of the Bowden cable, it is proposed with the invention that the depth of insertion of a cable cord of the Bowden cable into the collet can be limited by a pressure element acting on the cable cord and collet.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope having a bendable guide element, by means of which a tool can be securely guided and simultaneously steered outward into a broad operating area at the head of the endoscope.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical unit for duodenoscopes, wherein the light reflected along the length of direction Z by an illuminated object is guided in the direction Z through an optical system in an essentially perpendicular manner in relation to a CCD-chip. In relation to prior art, the optical unit is constructed in a simpler manner, is smaller, and is more resistant to leakages.

Abstract: A flexible shaft for an endoscope comprises a shaft body which, in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, has a first portion with a first degree of flexibility, and, proximally from the first portion, has at least a second portion with a second degree of flexibility which is less than the first degree of flexibility, the shaft body having, in the first portion, at least a first spring element, and, in the second portion, at least a second spring element. A spring hardness of the second spring element is increased by a permanent pretensioning of the second spring element, as a result of which the flexibility of the shaft body is reduced in the second portion.