Abstract: A disposable protecting cover for an endoscope, the endoscope comprising a endoscope and a disposable valve disk, and the disposable protecting cover comprising a disposable sheath, a clamping tube, a disposable suction tube, a three-way sealing cap, a water air tube, and a protecting cover comprising a hand entrance and an instrument insertion opening.

Abstract: An insufflation apparatus includes a housing defining a port for receipt of insufflation gases and an elongated sleeve defining a longitudinal axis. The elongated sleeve has a proximal end and a distal end and defines a sharpened tip. A stylet is disposed within the elongated sleeve. The stylet is movable between an extended position, wherein the stylet extends beyond the tip of the sleeve, and a retracted position, to expose the sharpened tip for penetration through body tissue. At least one of the elongated sleeve and the stylet defines a passageway in fluid communication with the port to direct the insufflation gases into a body cavity. An image sensor is positioned on the elongated sleeve. The image sensor is adapted to receive an optical image of an area adjacent the distal end of the elongated sleeve and is configured to transmit the optical image for viewing by a clinician.

Abstract: A continuous flow irrigation endoscope and a continuous flow irrigation fluid management system, both designed to be compatible to each other and meant to function as a single system. The endoscope and the fluid management system are synergistic to each other such that both enhance the efficiency of each other. The system allows a body tissue cavity to be distended by continuous flow irrigation so that the detached tissue pieces and waste fluid present inside a body tissue cavity are continuously automatically evacuated from the tissue cavity without causing the cavity to collapse at any stage and without the need of withdrawing the endoscope or a part of the endoscope from the tissue cavity.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscope that prevents occurrence of buckling of a flexible body built in an insertion part of the endoscope without damaging other built-in components, and is easy to manufacture without impairing the curving manipulability. The endoscope includes a curvable portion, and an elongated insertion part being inserted into a subject. The endoscope has an elongated flexible body built in the insertion part, and a flexible protective tube that covers an outer periphery of the flexible body. The protective tube has a first region that covers the range of the flexible body, and a second region that covers the range of the soft portion. The elastic constant of the first region is smaller than the elastic constant of the second region, and the external diameter of the protective tube in the first region is larger than the external diameter of the protective tube of the second region.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a sterile surgical instrument, a robotic surgical manipulator, and a sterile drape covering at least a portion of the robotic surgical manipulator. The surgical instrument has a proximal interface and a distal end effector. The proximal interface includes a gimbal assembly with two intersecting rotational axes coupled to the distal end effector. The robotic surgical manipulator has a drive plate that bears against the gimbal assembly. The drive plate has two degrees of rotational freedom about a center of motion that is coincident with an intersection of the axes of the gimbal assembly. The sterile drape includes a sterile sheet covers at least a portion of the robotic surgical manipulator, a frame bonded to the sterile sheet, an instrument interface that covers the drive plate of the robotic surgical manipulator, and a diaphragm that connects the instrument interface to the frame.

Abstract: An endoscope lens protection apparatus may include a clear indexable film strip positioned over the endoscope lens having an underside surface and an opposite exposed surface, such that the underside surface is positioned to face the endoscope lens, and the incision side surface is exposed; wherein the indexable film is movable from a clean film position to a used film position, such that, in operation, the indexable film is advanced from a point in front of the lens to a used film position out of the endoscope field of view, and may further include a sheath having a proximal end and a distal end defining a chamber therebetween configured to receive the endoscope body, an interior sheath surface defining a film supply channel and a film retraction channel. A sealing mechanism associated with the sheath may also be included.

Abstract: A protective cap for use on arthroscopic instruments and sheaths disposed over arthroscopic instruments. The cap protects the distal end of the instrument from accidental damage caused by other instruments used during a surgical procedure. The portion of the cap that covers a view port on an arthroscope is transparent in order to allow a user to see through the instrument and through the cap.

Abstract: An endoscope or other medical device includes a number of lumens positioned in an outer shaft. The lumens are formed as a multiple lumen assembly. In one embodiment, individual lumens are connected to each other with a sheet or webbing material. The lumen assembly is rolled or folded along its length for incorporation into the outer shaft of the medical device. The sheet or webbing material may be notched or perforated to facilitate folding the lumen assembly and/or separating individual lumens from the lumen assembly.

Abstract: The invention, referred to commercially as the “Endosleeve,” is a heat- and fire-resistant holster, holder or sleeve to secure and protect an endoscope during a medical or surgical operation. The Endosleeve consists of several components: a clamp or other mechanism that attaches the Endosleeve to the operating table; flexible tubing, which connects the clamp to the actual holster in which the endoscope is placed and which allows the physician to move the Endosleeve as necessary; and a holster that is fire and heat resistant, protecting the physician and patient from operating room fires. There is currently no such safety device to safely hold an endoscope during a medical or surgical procedure.

Abstract: A sheath assembly for an endoscope includes an elongate tubular body and a plug. The endoscope has a handle portion and a scope portion extending therefrom to a tip. The body includes first and second wall sections and extends along a longitudinal axis between first and second distal openings located at distal and proximal ends thereof, respectively. The first wall section extends radially about the longitudinal axis to define a scope lumen. The scope portion is receivable in the scope lumen with the distal and proximal ends. The second wall section extends radially about a portion of the first wall section and longitudinally between second distal and proximal end openings. The first and second wall sections define an integral suction lumen in fluid communication with a first source of negative pressure. The plug is mated with the distal end opening and includes a lens surface through which energy is transmissible.

Abstract: An apparatus having a tube section and an expanded end. The tube section is flexible while the end section is rigid. The apparatus has a central bore, large enough to loosely receive an endoscope tube, and the end section has two peripheral bores which communicate with the central bore. There is a collar around the central bore which allows formation an air- and water-tight seal with the head of an endoscope. The tube may be fenestrated at its proximal end and may include medial pleats. This apparatus is mainly used by: sliding an endoscope into the central bore until the endoscope head forms an air- and water-tight seal with the central bore; connecting a lavage tube to one peripheral bore and a vacuum tube to the other peripheral bore; inserting the endoscope and the apparatus into a GI tract; and manually controlling the apparatus to apply lavage and vacuum.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide means capable of steering a treatment instrument together with an endoscope with good operability in endoscopic surgery. The endoscope overtube of the present invention includes a first insertion passage into which an endoscope is inserted, wherein a wall constituting the first insertion passage includes a second insertion passage into which a treatment instrument is inserted, and a major axis direction of the second insertion passage is different from a major axis direction of the first insertion passage at a distal end of the second insertion passage. Since the treatment instrument insertion passage of the overtube does not extend in a direction along the major axis of the overtube, the treatment instrument is protruded from the distal end of the overtube in a direction different from that of the center of a surgical field, and extends outward, away from a direction along the viewing axis of the overtube.

Abstract: A hysteroscopy system includes a scope having an internal channel, a sheath removably coupled to the scope, and an outflow channel. The sheath has a distal flange extending internally towards an outer surface of the scope. The outflow channel is formed between an inner surface of the sheath and an outer surface of the scope. The distal flange forms a distal end of the outflow channel and is generally located between the scope and the sheath.

Abstract: An endoscopic has an fiber optic waveguide that transmits an image from a distal end to a proximal end, the waveguide having an outer diameter of less than 3 mm. A lens system is positioned at the distal end of the fiber optic waveguide. An imaging device is optically coupled to the proximal end of fiber optic waveguide. A disposable sheath extends about the fiber optic waveguide to provide a sterile barrier, and in a preferred embodiment the sheath includes an illumination channel. In a preferred embodiment, the lens system has a first lens element, a second lens element and an aperture stop.

Abstract: A protective sheath including a first portion configured to receive a medical instrument and a second portion configured to accommodate movement of a distal end of said medical instrument within the second portion. The second portion is movably coupled to the first portion. The protective sheath is configured to control contamination of the medical instrument when the medical instrument and the protective sheath are placed within a patient. The protective sheath also includes a tube configured to assist the medical instrument when the medical instrument and the protective sheath are placed within said patient. The tube is disposed along a length of the protective sheath.

Abstract: Systems for the stabilization of visualization catheters are described herein which facilitate the deployment and retraction of an imaging hood from a catheter. Such systems may include a deployment catheter and an imaging hood having one or more structural elements which may be integrated or advanced into the hood independently of the hood itself. Moreover, additional features such as rapid exchange ports may be integrated along the hood or along the catheter proximal to the hood to facilitate intravascular procedures and treatments.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, an access sheath for positioning in a patient's body is provided. The access sheath comprises an elongated member having a proximal portion extending to a distal portion and a plurality of lumens formed therethrough including a working lumen and a first additional lumen. The first additional lumen is configured to receive an optical system or an irrigation system. The proximal portion has a stiffening section that includes a first coil and one of a braiding and a second coil which are disposed about the working lumen in concentric relationship with each other. The distal portion has a tip and a first deflection section and a second deflection section. The first deflection section is proximal to the tip and distal to the second deflection section. The first deflection section is configured to be actuated to bend at a first angle to position the tip. The second deflection section is configured to bend at a second angle to reposition the tip.

Abstract: A fluid-tight housing device for a section of a handle device of an endoscope includes a housing. A housing opening is formed in the housing, and includes plural side edges and plural corner portions disposed between the side edges in a curved manner. A cover is secured to the housing, for closing the housing opening. A seal packing is squeezed between the housing and the cover. A first sealing lip is formed to project from an end of the seal packing, entered in the housing opening upon securing the cover to the housing, pushed on an inner surface of the housing, for sealing a joint thereof in a fluid-tight manner. A projection is formed on the cover in association with at least one of the corner portions, to project toward the housing, for pressing the seal packing to increase tightness of the first sealing lip.

Abstract: An endoscope system, comprising: a mantle tube into which an insertion part of an endoscope is inserted; a fluid flow channel which is formed of a space between an outer surface of the endoscope inserted into the mantle tube and an inner surface of the mantle tube; a sealing member which seals the fluid flow channel; and a pipe line which is formed inside of the insertion part so as to communicate between the fluid flow channel and a nozzle formed on a leading end surface of the insertion part, and supply a fluid from the fluid flow channel to the nozzle.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument, in particular an endoscope, with a jointed portion of a shaft for an endoscopic instrument, in particular for an endoscope, for bendably connecting a distal part of the shaft with a proximal part of the shaft. For this purpose the distal shaft part is connected with the proximal shaft part by two rigid jointed bars of different lengths, which each attaches with a joint on the distal and on the proximal shaft part.

Abstract: Systems and methods couple a self contained air processing or conveying component to a sheath that is sized and configured to receive a laparoscope including a laparoscopic lens providing visualization of an operating cavity. The air processing or conveying component comprises an air flow path having an inlet sized and configured for communication with a source of CO2 and an outlet. The air processing or conveying component includes a driven air moving component in communication with the air flow path sized and configured to continuously convey CO2 from the source through the air flow path to the outlet. The sheath coupled to the air processing or conveying component can include a lumen communicating with the outlet of the air processing or conveying mechanism for passing CO2 continuously conveyed by the driven air moving component across the laparoscopic lens to maintain visualization of the operating cavity.

Abstract: A flexible endoscopic instrument for insertion through the lumen of an endoscope, comprises: a flexible cable; an actuating handle connected to a proximal end of the flexible cable; a tool assembly connected to a distal end of the flexible cable; a sheath that covers substantially an entire length of the flexible cable; and a tactile indicator portion formed along an outer surface of the sheath so as to be tactilely detectable by a user. The tactile indicator portion is formed at a predetermined distance from the distal end of the flexible cable so as to be tactilely detectable by the user at a position before the tactile indicator portion is inserted into a proximal end of the lumen of the endoscope and before the tool assembly exits a distal end of the lumen. When the flexible cable of the instrument is inserted into the endoscope, the user is pushing the instrument into the lumen of the endoscope, whereby he/she is physically touching the surface of the flexible cable's sheath.

Abstract: A system of for labeling and organizing de-contaminated and cleaned flexible endoscopes with coded one-use disposable sheaths. The sheaths are specifically contoured and coded for specific types of endoscopes. The endoscopes can only be removed from sheaths by tearing, slicing, cutting or otherwise breaking the sheaths open. This product system reduces the risk of patient to patient cross-contamination by labeling cleaned endoscopes for easy identification by medical care professionals.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes an image pickup section incorporated in a medical instrument body and movably provided in the medical instrument body that picks up an image of the object to be examined from an observation window, a covering section movably provided at the medical instrument body so as to cover the observation window and in which an opening portion is formed, a drive section that drives the covering section or the image pickup section, and a control section that controls the drive section so as to drive the covering section or the image pickup section by synchronizing a timing for the image pickup section to pick up the object image with a timing at which the opening portion and the observation window match, and can thereby prevent sticking of deposits to the observation window and obtain a clear observation image.

Abstract: A method of repositioning or fixing a first vertebrae or portion of a first vertebrae comprising fixing a bone screw in the first vertebrae and a bone screw in a second vertebrae, where each bone screw has a portal, and inflating an inflatable balloon between the portals, thereby creating a rigid structure between the bone screws.

Abstract: An endoscope cleaning sheath includes a tube body and a distal end configuration portion. The tube body includes an endoscope disposition hole in which an insertion portion of an endoscope provided with at least an observation window is inserted and disposed, at least one liquid supply hole configuring a liquid supply channel, and at least one gas supply hole configuring a gas supply channel. The distal end configuration portion is fixed to a distal end portion of the tube body. On an inner surface of a distal end surface portion of the distal end configuration portion is provided a fluid mixing portion and a concave portion configuring an ejection opening that ejects a fluid mixture at an observation window of the endoscope. The fluid mixing portion causes liquid supplied through the liquid supply hole and gas supplied through the gas supply hole to merge to mix the liquid and gas.

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 cart or man-portable system and method for performing endoscopic procedures is provided. A portable display device, such as a laptop computer, is coupled to a handle comprising a miniature camera and fiber optic illumination subsystem. A sterile disposable portion is fitted over the illumination subsystem and inserted into a target area on a patient. Images of the target area are conveyed from the camera to the display device while an endoscopic procedure is performed, thus facilitating real-time diagnosis during the procedure.

Abstract: A disposable protecting cover for an endoscope, the endoscope comprising a endoscope and a disposable valve disk, and the disposable protecting cover comprising a disposable sheath, a clamping tube, a disposable suction tube, a three-way sealing cap, a water air tube, and a protecting cover comprising a hand entrance and an instrument insertion opening.

Abstract: An endoscope has a tubular shaft whose interior contains components, in particular lenses, spacers, diaphragms, prisms and filters of an optical system, said components being at least partially surrounded by a support piece made of shrunk material. It is proposed that the components be surrounded by a transparent and tube-sleeve-shaped shrunk material which has been shrunk before the components are introduced into the tubular shaft.

Abstract: An endoscope cleaning sheath includes a flexible tube body that is mounted to an insertion portion having a bending portion included in an endoscope, and that has a plurality of through-holes parallel to a longitudinal axis; and a cylindrical distal end nozzle that is provided at a distal end portion of the flexible tube body and that sprays at least one of a gas and a liquid at least at an observation window provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope. The through-holes are a hole for an endoscope insertion portion through which the insertion portion of the endoscope is inserted, and at least a first fluid conduit that supplies gas and a second fluid conduit that supplies liquid. The first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit are provided at positions in a direction that is different from a bending direction of the bending portion of the insertion portion that is inserted and disposed in the hole for an endoscope insertion portion.

Abstract: A disposable thermometer probe sheath includes a bottom piece and a plastic cover film sealed onto the bottom piece. The plastic cover film comprising an upper plastic sheet film and a lower plastic sheet film, each of which has a front edge provided with an opening, a rear edge provided with a tip, and a sealed peripheral edge except for the opening, so as to receive a thermometer probe. The plastic cover film is made of a flexible and deformable material, while the plastic cover film is provided with two notches respectively formed on two side edges adjacent to the tip. The upper plastic sheet film is provided with a first flap attached to the opening thereof, while the lower plastic sheet film is provided with a second flap attached to the opening. When the thermometer probe is inserted into the plastic cover film, the notches are tightly engaged with the thermometer probe.

Abstract: Flexible tubular liner coating systems are described herein. A method for coating and forming the flexible tubular inner liner may comprise, in one example, coating at least a first surface of a flexible elongate strip having a first and a second edge and then bringing the first and second edges of the flexible elongate strip into proximity of one another. Once the edges are brought towards one another, they may be joined such that a flexible tubular liner is formed having the coated first surface formed as an inner surface of the flexible tubular liner. Flexible tubular liner coating systems are described herein. A method for coating and forming the flexible tubular inner liner may comprise, in one example, coating at least a first surface of a flexible elongate strip having a first and a second edge and then bringing the first and second edges of the flexible elongate strip into proximity of one another.

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: A medical procedure drape, for use during a diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed on a patient supported by a patient cart, including a cover and a holder for the endoscope. The cover superimposes a portion of the patient and a portion of the patient cart. The endoscope holder is fixed to a boundary of the cover and extends above the level of the patient support surface on the patient cart. The endoscope holder retains and supports the endoscope during insertion and at other such times that the endoscopist may wish to set the endoscope aside to perform other tasks.

Abstract: An endoscope cover fixing device able to reliably fix the position of a cover to an endoscope without associated damage. The endoscope cover fixing device includes a fixing device main body and a wedge-shaped portion. Insert portions 43a, 44a into which the endoscope 31 is insertable are formed in the fixing device main body 42. The wedge-shaped portion 46 is provided in the insert holes 43a, 44a of the fixing device main body 42 to protrude to the distal end side of the fixing device main body 42. The wedge-shaped portion 46 is inlayed through a proximal end 23 side of the cover 21 into a gap between the endoscope 31 and the cover 21.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for shielding an endo scope during insertion through a body lumen, and in particular using a sheath for preventing contact between the endoscope (or trocar sleeve) and the body lumen, thus preventing bacteria from being carried into a body cavity.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a rigid endoscope including an optical system in a rigid insert section thereof, and a wiper sheath. The wiper sheath includes a wiper insert section receiving the insert section of the rigid endoscope, a wiper arranged on a distal end portion of the wiper insert section and enabled to be placed in contact with a distal-end face of the rigid endoscope received in the wiper insert section, and an operation unit, arranged at a proximal end portion of the wiper insert section, for switching the wiper between a contact state with the wiper placed to be in contact with the distal-end face of the rigid endoscope and a detached state with the wiper spaced apart from the distal-end face of the rigid endoscope, and for moving the wiper on and along the distal-end face of the rigid endoscope when the wiper is in the contact state.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endosurgical extraction bag for collecting body tissue or body fluid, with a bag main part formed from a flexible envelope, and with a first admission opening for introducing tissue or fluid into the bag main part of the bag. Arranged in the bag main part, there is an inner envelope which is connected to the main part (bag) and opens toward the first admission opening, but adjoins the bag main part sealingly in respect of the first admission opening, and which has a second admission opening at its second end remote from the first admission opening and spaced apart from an end of the bag main part remote from the first admission opening, through which second admission opening the tissue or fluid can be introduced into the bag main part.

Abstract: A controllable sheath for optimizing the control of surgical instruments at the operation site includes a flexible sheath surrounding an endoscope and including a lumen extending along the walls of the sheath and adjacent to the endoscope. The lumen permits the passage of surgical instruments from the proximal end of the endoscopic device to the operation site. The lumen extends beyond the distal end of the endoscope and deflects at the distal end as desired by the operator's manipulation of a controller device. This distal end deflection may occur through various different techniques where the ability to deflect the lumen gives the operator increased control and maneuverability over the surgical implements located in the lumen. Depending upon the particular requirements of the surgical procedure, the controllable sheath may include any number of lumens capable of distal end deflection.

Abstract: A flexible shaft includes a flexible, elongated outer sheath, at least one drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a moisture sensor disposed within the outer sheath configured to detect moisture within the outer sheath. Another flexible shaft includes a flexible, elongated outer sheath, at least one flexible drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a coupling connected to a distal end of the outer sheath configured to couple to a surgical attachment. A sleeve includes an elongated shaft configured to receive a flexible shaft therein and a securing arrangement configured to selectively and variably retain the elongated shaft in any one of a number of longitudinal positions along the flexible shaft.

Abstract: Endoscopic devices and methods used for fastening multiple tissue layers, such as, for example, an endoscopic fundoplication procedure, are disclosed. The device may include, for example, an elongated tubular member having a proximal end for extending outside of the body and a distal end for positioning proximate the multiple tissue layers, a grasper configured for positioning proximate the distal end of the tubular member and for grasping at least one of the multiple tissue layers, a device coupled to the distal end of the tubular member for folding the multiple tissue layers together, a tissue fastener configured to be inserted into the tissue layers to hold the tissue layers together, and a fastener head for inserting the tissue fastener into the tissue layers.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to easily start to operate a body-insertable apparatus which is introduced into a subject and executes a predetermined function. In a capsule endoscope 3 of the invention, a magnetic switch 14 is arranged in a tubular capsule casing 16 of the capsule endoscope 3 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis t direction of the capsule casing 16. A movable electrode of the magnetic switch 14 is brought into contact with a fixed electrode of the magnetic switch by a magnetic induction action by a magnetic field generated by a magnet 6, which is applied to the magnetic switch 14 from the outside of the capsule endoscope 3 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis t direction of the capsule casing 16. As a result, electric power can be supplied from a power source unit to a function executing unit.

Abstract: An endoscope has a fiber optic waveguide that transmits an image from a distal end to a proximal end, the waveguide having an outer diameter of less than 3 mm. A lens system is positioned at the distal end of the fiber optic waveguide. An imaging device is optically coupled to the proximal end of fiber optic waveguide. A disposable sheath extends about the fiber optic waveguide to provide a sterile barrier, and in a preferred embodiment the sheath includes an illumination channel. In a preferred embodiment, the lens system has a first lens element, a second lens element and an aperture stop.

Abstract: A sheath useful for remote steering, guidance and/or manipulation of a flexible instrument, including e.g. an endoscope, received through the sheath.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for therapeutic and/or diagnostic use in or on a patient's body. The device can have a sheath and a tool. The sheath can be made, at least in part, from a laminate. The laminate can have reinforcement fibers in longitudinal, latitudinal, helical, and/or other configurations around the sheath. The tool can be at least partially within the sheath. The tool can be attached to the sheath at one or more lengths along the tool. The sheath can be removed from the tool and replaced.

Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic applications or the like, comprising a tube like member having a handling end portion having a flexible portion (52, 54) and actuating means located at the other end portion (56, 59), and longitudinal elements for transferring the movement of the actuating means to the handling end portion resulting in a change of orientation thereof, whereby the handling end portion comprises at least two independent flexible portions, whereby the actuating end portion has a corresponding number of actuating means, and whereby each actuating means is connected by means of its own set of longitudinal elements to a part of the handling end portion for effecting a change of orientation of one of the flexible portions.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method useful for positioning one or more members within the gastro-intestinal tract is disclosed. The sheath can be provided with texture on an inside surface to facilitate installation of the endoscope in the sheath, and to permit the endoscope to be gripped through the sheath.

Abstract: A high-frequency incision instrument for an endoscope is provided with an electrically insulative flexible sheath constituted of a distal tube disposed at a tip portion thereof and a proximal tube disposed on a proximal side such that one is loosely inserted into the other so as to rotate around an axial line thereof, a high-frequency electrode exposed along a lateral surface of the distal tube and connected to a conductive operating wire extending throughout inside the distal tube and the proximal tube, so that a high-frequency current is supplied to the high-frequency electrode through the operating wire, and so that rotating the operating wire at a proximal end portion of the proximal tube around an axial line causes the distal tube to rotate around the axial line with respect to the proximal tube, thus to change an orientation of the high-frequency electrode.