Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insert portion having a bending portion for bending operation and a flexible soft portion connected to the proximal end of the bending portion; an inflatable/deflatable balloon attached on the proximal side from the bending portion; and a supplying/sucking opening provided in the outer surface of a ring that connects the bending portion to the soft portion, the supplying/sucking opening supplying and sucking fluid to and from the balloon.

Abstract: An endoscopic insertion aid includes a tube member, a pipeline and a plurality of balloons. The tube member allows an insertion section of an endoscope to be inserted therethrough, and guides the longitudinal movement of the insertion section. The pipeline is provided in the tube member, and communicates with a supply/discharge unit to supply a fluid to or discharge the fluid from the distal end of the tube member. The balloons are disposed on the outer periphery of the distal end of the tube member longitudinally along the tube member, communicate with the pipeline, and inflate/deflate in accordance with the supply/discharge of the fluid via the pipeline. The balloon disposed on the distal side of the tube member is inflated to have an outside diameter larger than that of the balloon disposed closer to the proximal side than the balloon disposed on the distal side when the balloons are inflated.

Abstract: A method of producing a balloon of a balloon catheter includes the following method steps: providing a balloon body coupled to a proximal sleeve and a distal sleeve by transitional sections extending between the balloon body and the sleeves; creating folds in at least the distal sleeve; and stabilizing at least a distal section of the folds of the distal sleeve.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscopic system. The system comprises a flexible endoscope insertable into a first tubular organ from a natural opening of a human body. The system further comprises an opening member which forms on a wall part of the first tubular organ an opening used to insert the endoscope into an abdominal cavity from the first tubular organ in the body, an anastomosing member which is able to anastomoses the first tubular organ with a second tubular organ in the abdominal cavity, and a cutting member with which the second tubular organ is able to be cut.

Abstract: A self-propelled robotic device moves through bodily and other passageways by inflating regions of an overlying bladder along the length of the robotic device in a sequence that imparts motion to the device. The regions of the overlying bladder are inflated by energizing a plurality of coils, which are surrounded by a ferrofluid, in a sequence. The ferrofluid responds to the magnetic field created by an energized coil by creating a bulge in the side wall of the overlying bladder.

Abstract: The dilation balloon of the subject invention preferably comprises a balloon portion mounted about a shaft that, when inflated, produces a configuration comprising a tapered distal end and a proximal end or butt that is substantially flat (preferably truncated) and is adapted to generally conform with the outer contours of an endoscope through which it is introduced when the balloon is pulled back against the endoscope face. The close engagement of the subject balloon catheter and endoscope, when forming a balloon-scope train, enables the scope to more readily navigate strictures and tortuous body lumen, as well as allows the balloon to act as a lens for viewing anatomical structure within the body lumen, such as tumors, strictures, and the inner luminal wall surface itself.

Abstract: Provided is a balloon access device having a cap coupleable to an endoscope and a balloon for sealing with the cap when expanded. The balloon access device allows a physician to both separate collapsed tissue and visualize the path of the endoscope without administering insufflation gas to the collapsed area of a patient.

Abstract: An otorhinolaryngological treatment device includes: a flexible elongated body to be introduced into an accessory nasal cavity through a nasal cavity; an expansion body which is provided on the elongated body and has an effective expansive section capable of radial expansive deformation within a natural ostium between the nasal cavity and the accessory nasal cavity to thereby force open a stenosed part of the natural ostium; and imaging unit for obtaining an image on the front side of a distal end of the elongated body, which is provided integrally with the elongated body on the distal side of the elongated body relative to the expansion body. The treatment device enables easy positioning (aligning) of the expansion body inside the nasal cavity, without need for radioscopy.

Abstract: A medical instrument of the present invention comprises a spiral shaped portion provided at an insertion portion main body, for generating a force at the insertion portion main body to advance/retreat in a subject by a contact with a body wall of the subject, a balloon provided so as to expand radially in a radial direction of the insertion portion main body and capable of contact with the body wall, a suction opening portion provided between the spiral shaped portion and the balloon in the insertion portion main body, and a suction pipeline communicating with the suction opening portion, inserted into the insertion portion main body and connected to a suction pressure controller on a rear end side of the insertion portion main body in the insertion direction.

Abstract: Transparent domes useful for covering at least a lens located on a scope's distal face, taking the form of a single layer membrane affixed to the distal end of the scope, a solid cap attachable to and detachable from the distal end of the scope, or an inflatable and deflatable balloon having an exterior wall for contacting at least the lens at the scope's distal face. Methods for performing diagnostic or diagnostic and therapeutic procedures within bodily cavities including collapsed intestines using transparent domes and scopes.

Abstract: an endoscope system including an endoscope having an instrument channel and an anchoring assembly including an inflatable/deflatable balloon assembly, the inflatable/deflatable balloon assembly being deflatable to a cross-sectional size sufficiently small to enable it to pass through the instrument channel and being positionable and inflatable without substantial stretching to have a dimension sufficiently large to enable it to anchor in the large intestine.

Abstract: A multi-port manifold includes an instrument port, bronchoscope inlet, entrance for air and common exit. It is proposed to position the instrument port in line with the exit. The bronchoscope inlet is positioned at a very small angle with respect to the instrument port, while the air entrance extends at right angles to the plane defined by the axes of the port and the inlet.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope comprising an insertion portion including a distal hard portion. The insertion portion comprises an ultrasonic transducer arranged in the distal hard portion and a treatment equipment lead-out hole, a slant surface on which an endoscopic viewing section is formed, the slant surface being provided in a position rear of the treatment equipment lead-out hole and a balloon removably arranged in a fit area on the ultrasonic transducer. The distal hard portion comprises a balloon-fit groove between an arrangement region of the ultrasonic transducer and an opening of the treatment equipment lead-out hole. The balloon has an end including a retaining ring that fits in the balloon-fit groove. The distal hard portion further comprises a treatment equipment guide member that slidably guides the treatment equipment across an arrangement area of the balloon-fit groove and up to a position on a beginning side of a scanning range of the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controllably traversing a tissue wall. In one embodiment, a distal end of a catheter is positioned and/or repositioned utilizing direct visualization out the distal end of the catheter, as facilitated by an imaging element disposed within the distal tip of the catheter. An inflatable balloon may comprise a portion of the distal tip of the catheter for structural and/or visualization media purposes. A tissue traversing element may be forwarded through a working lumen defined by the catheter and controllably pushed through a tissue wall as observed with the imaging element. The tissue traversing element may comprise sensors and the like to facilitate monitoring of changes in pressure, color, oxygen saturation, flow rate, and echo timing, to determine the position of the tissue traversing member relative to the tissue wall.

Abstract: Balloon probes, adapted for use in endoscopy and other medical procedures, are useful to obtain spectroscopic information reflected or emitted from a tissue of interest in the infrared spectral region. The information collected by the probe is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The invention also relates to methods utilizing these probes to analyze a surface of interest, in a minimally invasive manner, in connection with the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Abstract: A method and an implantable system for insertion into a cavity of a person, comprising: an imaging element capable of acquiring an image of at least a portion of the cavity through an optical element; and a porous inflatable enclosure arranged to enclose the imaging element and to enclose liquid that flows through the porous inflatable enclosure and contacts the optical element, wherein the liquid, when in contact with the optical element, reduces an aggregation of non-transparent material on the optical element while the implantable system is located in the cavity of the person.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for endometrial ablation. In accordance with a method, a working end of an RF ablation device is positioned in a patient uterus to contact endometrial tissue, the working end comprising a dielectric wall capable of non-expanded and expanded shapes and for conforming to an asymmetric or symmetric shape of the patient's cervix. An expandable seal is provided for sealing the cervical canal.

Abstract: An endoscope insertion support tool includes an advancing and retracting member that is disposed in an insertion section of an endoscope, capable of advancing and retracting in a hollow passage, a distal end portion of which communicates with the outside, and has length projected from a distal end of the insertion section, a balloon member that includes an attaching portion attachable to an outer surface side of the insertion section of the endoscope and is connected to the distal end of the advancing and retracting member and capable of projecting from the distal end of the insertion section according to an advancing and retracting movement of the advancing and retracting member, and a fluid supplying and discharging unit including a conduit that is connected to the balloon member and inflates and deflates the balloon member according to supply and discharge of a fluid to and from the balloon member.

Abstract: A collateral ventilation bypass trap system directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to increase the expiratory flow from the diseased lung or lungs, thereby treating one aspect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The system includes a trap, a filter/one-way valve and an air carrying conduit. The system also includes a retention device for securing system elements in position.

Abstract: A first and a second pumps for supplying a gas to a balloon for fixation mounted at an outer circumference portion at a tip end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope and a balloon for fixation mounted at an outer circumference portion at a tip end portion of an overtube into which the endoscope is inserted and a control portion for controlling pressure in the respective balloons by operating the first and the second pumps are provided, and the control portion controls display of balloon inflation/deflation display portions and balloon during operation display portions of a remote controller on the basis of inflation-state information detected by a state detection output portion detecting inflation states of the respective balloons.

Abstract: An insertion assisting tool for an endoscope which is a tubular insertion assisting tool which is provided with an inflatable and deflatable balloon attached to a tip end outer peripheral part, and through which an insertion section for an endoscope is capable of being inserted, comprising: an air hole formed at an outer periphery and/or a tip end part of the insertion assisting tool.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, device and method can be provided which can facilitate imaging of biological tissues, e.g., luminal organs in vivo, using optical techniques. The exemplary device can include different designs an features of one or more catheters, which can illuminate the tissues, and collect signals from the inside of the lumen. In another exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure, a balloon-catheter can be provided with the flexible neck, which can absorb most of the bending. According to still another exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a balloon-catheter tethered capsule can be provided, and according a yet further exemplary embodiment, a structured balloon design can be provided with one or more protuberances, thus enabling imaging of the structures in close contact, e.g., without compressing of the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscope comprising: an insertion unit which is to be inserted into a body; and a pipeline provided inside the insertion unit for supplying a fluid to a balloon mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the insertion unit, wherein the pipeline has a plurality of openings in an axial direction of the insertion unit on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion unit. Therefore, the endoscope of the present invention can easily fix a balloon and keep airtightness after the fixation, and can raise a degree of freedom of a mounting location of the balloon.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for locating morphological features within a body cavity using a catheter including proximal and distal ends, a transparent balloon carried on the distal end, and an optical imaging assembly carried on the distal end for imaging through the balloon. The balloon includes a channel extending therethrough to a lumen extending through the catheter. A guidewire or other localization member is received in the lumen that is extendable through the channel. During use, the catheter is inserted into a right atrium of a heart, and the balloon is expanded and placed against the wall of the heart to locate the coronary sinus. Sufficient force is applied to clear blood between the surface and the wall and clear the field of view of the imaging assembly. The catheter is manipulated to locate the coronary sinus, whereupon the localization member is advanced into the coronary sinus.

Abstract: A gastric balloon includes a scaffold structure, one or more internal inflatable compartments within the scaffold structure, and one or more inflatable bladders formed over the space-filling compartment. The gastric balloon may be deployed transesophageally using a gastroscope and is inflated in situ, preferably using a combination of liquid and gas inflation media.

Abstract: A balloon endoscope device having a shaft with a distal end that allows for blunt dissection is provided. The shaft utilizes a plurality of separately inflatable balloons that alone or together with exterior functional channels (e.g., instrument channels, air channels, water channels, suction channels) circumferentially surround the distal end of the shaft to better position and maneuver the distal end as it advances through tissue planes and once it reaches a target working space or operative site.

Abstract: A side-mountable overtube for use with an endoscope including a sleeve formed with a slit, extending entirely along its length, and with a balloon inflation/deflation lumen communicating with a balloon opening at a balloon opening location intermediate along its length, and a selectably inflatable/deflatable balloon mounted onto the sleeve in a manner such that it does not extend entirely across the slit and thereby is side mountable along with the sleeve onto an endoscope, an interior of the balloon communicating with said balloon opening at the balloon opening location for selectable inflation/deflation of the balloon.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus comprises: an endoscope comprising an insertion portion, wherein an air hole is formed at a distal end of the insertion portion; and a balloon attached to the distal end of the insertion portion, the balloon being expanded by supply of air through an inlet/outlet port of the air hole and contracted by suction of air through of the inlet/outlet port, wherein the inlet/outlet port of the air hole is formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle to an axis of the insertion portion of the endoscope.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a medical device and methods of immobilizing and retrieving material from a body. The medical device, in an embodiment, includes an elongated member having a length extending from a distal end to a proximal end, and the elongated member having a first lumen and a second lumen. The medical device further includes a first tube and a second tube extending through the first lumen and the second lumen, respectively, from the proximal end of the elongated member to the distal end of the elongated member. An expandable member is fluidly coupled to a distal portion of each of the first tube and the second tube. The first tube, the second tube, and the expandable member are axially movable relative to the elongated member, and the expandable member is configured for deployment between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for locating morphological features within a body cavity using a catheter including proximal and distal ends, a transparent balloon carried on the distal end, and an optical imaging assembly carried on the distal end for imaging through the balloon. The balloon includes a channel extending therethrough to a lumen extending through the catheter. A guidewire or other localization member is received in the lumen that is extendable through the channel. During use, the catheter is inserted into a right atrium of a heart, and the balloon is expanded and placed against the wall of the heart to locate the coronary sinus. Sufficient force is applied to clear blood between the surface and the wall and clear the field of view of the imaging assembly. The catheter is manipulated to locate the coronary sinus, whereupon the localization member is advanced into the coronary sinus.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a biologically-compatible-fluid pressure source, the apparatus includes an elongate carrier, adapted to be inserted through a proximal opening of a body lumen, and a piston head coupled to a distal portion of the carrier. The piston head is adapted to form a pressure seal with a wall of the lumen after the carrier has been inserted into the lumen, and to be advanced distally through the body lumen in response to pressure from the fluid pressure source. The apparatus is configured to facilitate distal advancement of the piston head by facilitating passage of fluid out of the lumen from a site within the lumen distal to the piston head.

Abstract: An endoscope device comprises: an endoscope including an insertion portion and a first balloon attached to a distal end of the insertion portion; and an insertion guide that is to be covered on the insertion portion to guide insertion of the insertion portion, the insertion guide comprising a second balloon on its distal end, wherein the insertion portion or the insertion guide is fixed in a body cavity by expanding the first balloon or the second balloon, respectively, wherein the first balloon and the second balloon are substantially equal to each other in friction resistance against the body cavity when they are expanded.

Abstract: With a first endoscope inserted through an overtube, the overtube is orally inserted into an object being examined, and a distal end portion of an insertion tube of the first endoscope is made to advance, within the object, from a jejunum via a jejunum-to-jejunum anastomosed portion and a jejunum-anastomosed bent portion so that the distal end portion is located adjacently to a Vater's papilla of a duodenum. The overtube is then sent to a position which is adjacent to the Vater's papilla along the insertion tube of the first endoscope. After this, the first endoscope is pulled from the overtube. A second endoscope is then inserted into the overtube to make a distal end portion of its insertion tube protrude from the distal end of the overtube and is located adjacently to the Vater's papilla. The second endoscope thus-approached is used to treat the Vater's papilla and the tissue therearound.

Abstract: To perform treatment by readily introducing a device causing minimal invasion even where approach from the body surface is difficult, a medical device includes a guide that is inserted into a lumen; a first balloon at a distal end of the guide, connected to a first flow path extending to a proximal end of the guide; a second balloon on the guide, separated from the first balloon on the proximal-end side and connected to a second flow path extending to the proximal end of the guide; a third balloon extending along the guide from a point between the first balloon and the second balloon to the proximal end and having a port for supplying or discharging fluid at the proximal end; and a cleansing flow path having a discharge port between the first balloon and the second balloon and extending to the proximal end of the guide.

Abstract: A catheter system is provided that permits easy cannulation and radiological examination of the biliary and pancreatic ducts during an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatograhy (ERCP) procedure. The system of biliary catheters provides for a method of gaining access to the biliary tree, particularly when the contralateral wall or septum of the biliary tree interferes with access to the biliary tree. This anatomical interference is remedied using a pulling biliary catheter that withdraws the papilla of Vater away from the contralateral wall or septum by pulling proximally upon a chute expanded within the papilla of Vater. The enlarged opening then permits additional medical devices to be advanced through the pulling biliary catheter into the desired duct requiring the ERCP procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus comprising an elongated carrier adapted to be inserted through a proximal opening of a gastrointestinal (GI) tract lumen; a piston head, coupled to a distal portion of the carrier, and configured to: be inflated so as to form and maintain a pressure seal with a wall of the GI tract lumen, and be advanced distally through the GI tract in response to pressure from a fluid pressure source; a distal balloon coupled to the carrier distal to the piston head and configured and operable to be inflated so as to dilate the lumen thereby creating a working space; and a control unit, configured and operable to control simultaneously a pressure level within the piston head and a pressure level within the distal balloon.

Abstract: The present invention includes a first balloon member having a first hollow portion that allows an insertion portion of the endoscope to pass therethrough; a first transmission member that transmits an advance/retreat action performed by an operator to the first balloon member; a second balloon member having a second hollow portion that allows the insertion portion of the endoscope to pass therethrough; a second transmission member that transmits an advance/retreat action performed by an operator to the second balloon member; and a control portion that controls supply and exhaust of fluid to and from the inside of the first balloon member and the second balloon member to expand or contract the first balloon member and the second balloon member.

Abstract: Devices for enhancing minimally invasive cardiac surgery include a visualization device including an inflatable balloon at or near the distal end. Some visualization devices also include one or more lumens for allowing the introduction of one or more devices to a surgical site through the visualization device. Systems of the invention involve a visualization device which has at least one lumen for allowing introduction of an ablation device and/or other devices. A visualization device with an inflatable balloon may be positioned to create a space between a heart and pericardium when the balloon is inflated.

Abstract: A balloon catheter may include a distal anchoring balloon and a proximal hub that is removable from the catheter body. The catheter body may include a valve structure providing for maintaining the balloon in an inflated state during and after removal of the proximal hub. The valve preferably is constructed such that removal of the hub provides a low-profile proximal catheter end that will allow that proximal catheter end to pass through an endoscopic surgical device such as, for example, through an accessory channel of a standard duodenoscope and/or an ultra-slim endoscope/cholangioscope, facilitating a scope-exchange for use during, for example, a cholangioscopy or pancreatoscopy procedure. A method useful for scope exchange and/or introducing another elongate surgical device may utilize a balloon catheter with a distal anchoring balloon and a proximal hub that is removable from the catheter body.

Abstract: An endoscope system, serving as a double-balloon endoscope system, includes an endoscope apparatus for examinations using an endoscope, a shape detection apparatus used in combination with the endoscope apparatus, and a balloon controller. The shape detection apparatus detects positions of respective points in an insertion section of the endoscope, estimates the shape of the insertion section on the basis of the detected positions, and displays an image representing the modeled shape of the insertion section corresponding to the estimated shape. The balloon controller controls balloons, serving as insertion support units, attached to the endoscope. The shape detection apparatus detects the states of the balloons controlled through the balloon controller and reflects the controlled states of the balloons on an image representing the shape of the insertion section. With this arrangement, the inflation/deflation states of the balloons and the insertion state can be visually confirmed in real time with ease.

Abstract: A balloon controller for an endoscope apparatus, which expands or shrinks a first balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope by supplying fluid to the first balloon or drawing fluid from the first balloon, and which expands or shrinks a second balloon attached to an insertion assist implement for guiding the insertion portion when the insertion portion is inserted, by supplying fluid to the second balloon or drawing fluid from the second balloon, the balloon controller including a display device which displays an image expressing the states of expansion and shrinkage of the first balloon and the second balloon.

Abstract: A balloon control apparatus includes a balloon, a flow rate adjustment section, a setting section and a control section. The balloon is attached to an insertion section of an endoscope and/or an insertion aid instrument for guiding insertion of the insertion section of the endoscope. The flow rate adjustment section adjusts an air supply flow rate to the balloon and/or an exhaust flow rate from the balloon. The setting section sets the air supply flow rate and/or the exhaust flow rate. The control section controls the flow rate adjustment section so that the air supply flow rate to the balloon and/or the exhaust flow rate from the balloon become the air supply flow rate and/or the exhaust flow rate set by the setting section.

Abstract: An over-tube was developed for receiving and guiding endoscopic instruments into a patient's anus, through the colon, and into the peritoneum. The over-tube has a flexible sheath adapted for insertion into the anus through the colon and out the peritoneum of a patient. A stiffened region is used to protect the colonic wall from injury during insertion of medical instruments through the patient's lower gastrointestinal tract. The proximal end of the over-tube is surrounded by two narrow inflatable balloons on either side of the colotomy to keep the device in place with its lumen open into the peritoneum and further prevent leakage of insufflation. The device may comprise two channels, one for duel channel endoscopes and larger medical instruments or single lumen endoscopes, and an additional channel for surgical instruments. A distal valve prevents insufflation leakage, making the device especially useful in NOTES surgeries.

Abstract: A medical instrument for suction and irrigation comprises an elongate shaft with a first channel serving as suction channel and with a second channel serving as irrigation channel, the shaft having a first tube which is closed in cross section and in which one of the channels is present. The shaft has a second tube which is open in cross section along its length and is placed with its open lengthwise side on an outside face of the first tube and secured sealingly thereon, the other channel being formed in the space between the outside face of the first tube and an inside face of the second tube. A method for production of the instrument is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides balloon-expandable intravascular basket-style catheters optimized for efficient interrogation of blood vessel walls. Related diagnostic systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: An anatomic space of the body, particularly the pericardial space, is accessed in a minimally invasive manner from a skin incision by an access instrument to facilitate visualization and introduction of devices or drugs or other materials, performance of medical and surgical procedures, and introducing and fixating a cardiac lead electrode to the heart. An elongated access instrument body preferentially bends in one direction and resists bending in a transverse direction, whereby the access instrument body distal end can be directed through a path around body structures to the anatomic site by manipulation of the access instrument body proximal end portion. A distal header formed at the access instrument body distal end extends outward of the access instrument body in the transverse direction and supports an inflatable balloon surrounding a working lumen exit port that is directed toward an anatomic surface when the balloon is inflated by inflation media introduced through an inflation lumen.

Abstract: A fluid control device which controls a flow rate of a fluid supplied or sucked to or from an inflation and deflation member, includes: a first pipe system connected to the inflation and deflation member, wherein the fluid flow of a predetermined flow rate is supplied to the first pipe system; a second pipe system connected to the inflation and deflation member, wherein a fluid flow of a flow rate lower than the predetermined flow rate is supplied to the second pipe system; a device which switches the first pipe system to the second pipe system when a predetermined amount of fluid is supplied or sucked to or from the inflation and deflation member through the first pipe system; and a device which controls the pressure in the inflation and deflation device by using the second pipe system based on a pressure in the second pipe system.

Abstract: An inner pressure detection device for an inflation and deflation member includes: a pressure detection device which detects a pressure of a fluid at a first position in a proximal end side of a tube for supplying a fluid to an inflation and deflation member and exhausting a fluid from the inflation and deflation member, the inflation and deflation member included in an insertion portion configured to be inserted in a body cavity; a pressure loss calculation device which calculates a pressure loss of the fluid in the tube between the first position and a position in a distal end side of the tube where the inflation and deflation member is provided; and an inner pressure calculation device which calculates an inner pressure of the inflation and deflation member based on the pressure loss calculated by the pressure loss calculation device and the pressure detected by the pressure detection device.

Abstract: A system including a guide member at least partially insertable into a proximal opening of a body lumen, the guide member including a first passageway connectable to a source of fluid pressure, an elongate carrier arranged for sliding movement through the guide member, and a piston head mounted on the carrier, wherein a greater fluid pressure acting on a proximal side of the piston head than on a distal side of the piston head propels the piston head and the carrier in a distal direction in the body lumen.

Abstract: A hand operation portion of an endoscope is held by an endoscope holder of a holding device, and an insertion auxiliary member is held by an auxiliary member holder. The endoscope holder and the auxiliary member holder are slidably supported along a guide rail on a stage, and linearly moved toward a mouth of a patient.