Abstract: A system for modularly assembling a scope device includes an optical module which has an optical housing and a longitudinal member extending distally therefrom. A distal end of the member includes a camera for visualizing a target area, electric wires and a light source extending from the camera to the optical housing. The system also includes a deflector module coupleable with the optical module. The deflector module includes a deflector housing and a deflector shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft includes a first channel sized, shaped and configured to receive the member therein and a deflectable portion extending along a distal portion of the shaft. The deflector housing includes an actuator for deflecting the deflectable portion, the optical and deflector housings including corresponding connecting elements to engage one another when the member is inserted through the first channel and the deflector and optical housings are coupled.

Abstract: A system for modularly assembling a scope device includes an optical module which has an optical housing and a longitudinal member extending distally therefrom. A distal end of the member includes a camera for visualizing a target area, electric wires and a light source extending from the camera to the optical housing. The system also includes a deflector module coupleable with the optical module. The deflector module includes a deflector housing and a deflector shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft includes a first channel sized, shaped and configured to receive the member therein and a deflectable portion extending along a distal portion of the shaft. The deflector housing includes an actuator for deflecting the deflectable portion, the optical and deflector housings including corresponding connecting elements to engage one another when the member is inserted through the first channel and the deflector and optical housings are coupled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a needle-type endoscope, including a camera tube having an image capturing means accommodated therein; a needle covering the camera tube from the outside and having a sharp tip formed in a front end thereof to make an incision in a human body; and a handle, wherein a length of the camera tube is formed to be longer than a length of the needle. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a needle-like endoscope configured such that a camera tube for acquiring an image is disposed inside a needle for making an incision in the human body in such a manner as to be moved forward and backward in a sliding manner inside the needle, thereby excluding constituents such as a cannula or a sheath for providing an insertion path for an endoscope, and an incision instrument.

Abstract: Exemplary endoscopes, and endoscope sheaths are provided having an integrally formed imaging window. The sheath may comprise thin coiled wires and may be made using a dip-casting process. Also provided is a method which may comprise the steps of forming polymer coat(s) around a mandrel, forming a fiber assembly, forming polymer coat(s) around the fiber assembly, and forming a window around an end of the mandrel.

Abstract: A nerve blocking endoscope apparatus is disclosed having a disposable sheath and a stimulating assembly including an internal electrode and an external electrode for stimulation of a nerve for identification purposes and to methods for making and using same. A needle nerve blocking endoscope apparatus having an internal electrode for nerve stimulation.

Abstract: An accessory for partially enclosing a shaft of an endoscope is disclosed. The accessory defines a first space for accommodating the shaft and a second space for defining a conduit along the shaft. An outer surface of the accessory around the first and second spaces is centered on a first longitudinal axis, and the first space is centered on a second longitudinal axis spaced relative to the first longitudinal axis. The first space is open to one side, so that the accessory only partially encloses the shaft when placed around it.

Abstract: An improved system for attaching devices to the distal end of endoscopic instruments is described. An attachment adapter comprises a distal stop, such as a complete or partial loop or cylinder, which limits the penetration of an endoscope into the adapter. The adapter has at least one flange protruding proximally along the endoscope. The adapter is secured on the endoscope by a securing means, which compresses the flange or flanges sufficiently to provide a friction fit. The flexibility of the inventive adapter system allows the adapter to work reliably with endoscopes that are used, damaged or repaired. The adapter may further provide a slit or window allowing viewing of the vessel wall by a lens on an endoscope, thereby improving the operator's ability to understand the location of the endoscope during operation. The adapter may carry any of a variety of devices, including devices for closing a surgical incision, or treating or manipulating tissue.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a substantially rigid shaft having a distal end and a proximal portion, the shaft having a first lumen and a second lumen separate from the first lumen, the second lumen containing one or more objective lenses disposed at the distal end thereof. A housing is mounted on the proximal portion of the shaft, the housing including an eyepiece mount and a light input port. An image fiber bundle is disposed in the second lumen, the image fiber bundle extending proximally from adjacent the one or more objective lenses to the eyepiece mount. An illumination fiber bundle is disposed in the second lumen, the illumination fiber bundle extending proximally from the distal end of the shaft to the light input port.

Abstract: A surgical drape (10) has a planar, flexible covering element (11) with an area (30) for accommodating a reference means (40) for a navigation system, the reference means protruding from the plane of the covering element. The area (30) has at least two deformable, elongated bar elements (18), which are connected to the covering element (30) and have two bar ends (27). The bar elements include the area (30) for accommodating the reference means (40) between the bar elements. At least one elongated shortening means (20) can be fixed on the covering element (11) and interacts with at least one of the bar elements (18), for reducing and/or fixing the distance of the two bar ends (27) from each other so that the area (30) for accommodating the reference means (40) is lifted out of the plane of the covering element (11).

Abstract: A removable, resilient atraumatic sheath for arthroscopic instruments. The sheath covers sharp edges on the arthroscopic instrument, particularly the distal tip of the rigid cannula, and thereby protects tissue and objects near a surgical site from accidental trauma. The sheath may be provided in the form of an inflow/outflow sheath that allows a surgeon to irrigate and drain a surgical field without the use of a separate irrigation instrument. The sheath is provided with a cylindrical grip on the proximal end to resiliently squeeze the proximal end of the arthroscopic instrument. A lever is provided to move the grip radially outwardly to release the grip from the arthroscopic instrument.

Abstract: An over-tube for use in an endoscopic treatment in an abdominal cavity using an endoscope includes an over-tube main body which is inserted from a distal portion thereof via a natural opening in a patient's body to access the inside of the abdominal cavity from the distal portion through a lumen wall, and an internal cover which is disposed in a passage of the endoscope disposed in an inner cavity of the over-tube main body and which is extractable from a proximal portion of the over-tube main body.

Abstract: A body cavity access tube assembly includes a body cavity access tube having an external surface. A collapsible protective sleeve is positioned over the external surface and has a proximal end attached to the body cavity access tube and a distal end attached to a repositioning device The repositioning device is supported on the external surface of the body cavity access tube and has a released configuration wherein the repositioning device and the distal end of the collapsible protective sleeve are movable relative to a longitudinal axis of the body cavity access tube. The repositioning device also has an engaged configuration wherein the repositioning device and the distal end of the collapsible protective sleeve have a fixed position relative to the longitudinal axis of the body cavity access tube.

Abstract: A cleaning device for use with a percutaneous visualization device includes a cannula and a cleaning swab. The cannula has a first section pivotably connected to a second section. The cleaning swab is positioned at a distal end of the cannula and is configured to pivot into a position to clean at least a portion of a percutaneous visualization device upon insertion into the cannula. In an alternative embodiment, the cleaning device includes a cannula and a seal. The seal is disposed within the cannula and configured to clean at least a portion of a percutaneous visualization device upon insertion and retraction in the cannula. Further, the cannula has a cleaning surface on at least a portion of an inner surface thereof. The cleaning surface is also configured to clean at least a portion of said percutaneous visualization device upon insertion and retraction in the cannula.

Abstract: An apparatus cooperable with a grasping slot of an elevator for an endoscope is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an expandable balloon disposable through the endoscope for dilitating a stricture in the body duct. The apparatus further comprises a catheter disposable about the expandable balloon and through the endoscope. The catheter comprises proximal and distal portions along a longitudinal axis thereof. At least the proximal portion comprises a splittable portion formed therealong to define first and second sections separable from each other for securing the catheter while protecting and maintaining the expandable balloon at the stricture.

Abstract: A hood attachment jig includes a holding member whose diameter is increasable and that holds an endoscope hood in a state where the holding member is inserted into the endoscope hood; a diameter increasing member that increases the diameter of the holding member by entering the holding member, so that the diameter of the endoscope hood increases; and a push-out member that, when an attachment operation is performed in a state where a tip portion of the endoscope enters the holding member with the increased diameter, pushes out the holding member and the endoscope to separate the holding member and the endoscope from the diameter increasing member so that the endoscope hood, a force of restitution of which reduces the diameter of the holding member, is brought into contact with an outer circumferential surface of the tip portion of the endoscope and further pushes out the endoscope to detach the endoscope from the holding member so that the endoscope hood is attached to the endoscope tip portion.

Abstract: A medical apparatus according to the present invention includes: an image pickup section including an observation window, the image pickup section being led into a body; a holding section that holds the image pickup section inside the body; a covering section that is connected to the holding section and covers the observation window to set the image pickup section in a non-photographable state; and a field-of-view control section that variably controls the covering of the observation window by the covering section and sets the image pickup section in a photographable state to allow the image pickup section to photograph a subject inside the body.

Abstract: A protective sleeve apparatus for protecting an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument includes an elongated tubular member having an open proximal end and an open distal end. The elongated tubular member is sized and configured to receive a laparoscopic or endoscopic instrument therethrough. The tubular member has a folded section adjacent the distal end in releasable engagement with an intermediate section of the tubular member to define a substantially enclosed sleeve to receive the instrument and substantially prevent entry of contaminants within an interior of the tubular member. The folded section is releasable from the intermediate section upon exertion of a proximal force to the tubular member to facilitate removal of the tubular member along the instrument.

Abstract: A cover for a laparoscope having a substantially gas-impermeable, flexible membrane defining an interior space adapted to receive at least a distal-most portion of the laparoscope; and at least one valve for allowing gas to flow into and/or out of the interior space. By providing a substantially gas-impermeable, flexible membrane, the membrane can conform to the camera in use, ensuring that the cover can be used with both rigid and flexible laparoscopes and in particular those with cameras at their distal end. The valve allows gas to flow into or out of the interior space. This may be used to remove gas from the interior space so that the cover conforms more closely to the profile of the endoscopic camera. It may also be used to check that there has been no damage to the cover during the operation, and thus no breach of the sterile barrier.

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: 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 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: A thin sheath of flexible, flaccid material is introduced through openings in the body of an animal or human patient to permit surgical tools or fluids to be inserted and removed, or debris removed, during surgeries anywhere in the body to protect the tissue of the body from the instruments used. The sheath is inserted by an obturator which holds the sheath thereon by suction through an aperture in the obturator at its distal end. Once the sheath is inserted, suction is removed to release the sheath. Then a balloon on the distal end of the sheath is expanded to hold the sheath in place in the body while the obturator is removed. The sheath then remains in place with the balloon holding the distal end in the open position to enable fluids to flow through the sheath. After a procedure, the balloon is deflated and the sheath removed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for removing a cover from a medical instrument includes a flexible cover configured to cover at least a portion of a medical instrument, an insertion element coupled proximate a first end of the flexible cover, a pair of substantially parallel perforations formed in the insertion element, a pair of substantially parallel score lines formed in the cover and aligned with the pair of substantially parallel perforations. A portion of the insertion element between the pair of substantially parallel perforations is removable from the insertion element and a portion of the flexible cover between the pair of substantially parallel score lines is removable from the flexible cover when a force is applied to the portion of the insertion element between the pair of substantially parallel perforations.

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.

Abstract: An optical access apparatus for receiving an endoscope to permit visualization during passage through tissue includes an access member dimensioned for insertion through body tissue. The access member defines a longitudinal axis and has a longitudinal opening for receiving an endoscope. The access member has a closed penetrating end adapted to pass through tissue. The closed penetrating end is transparent to permit visualization of tissue with the endoscope. The optical access apparatus further includes a locking collet coaxially mounted relative to the longitudinal axis of the access member and a manual member mounted adjacent the locking collet and operatively engageable therewith. The locking collet has internal surfaces defining an internal passage to permit passage of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A disposable endoscope sheath includes an extendable sleeve sized to accommodate an endoscope shaft having a viewing end. The extendable sleeve has a variable length. A distal portion of the sleeve is configured to direct irrigation fluid onto the viewing end of the endoscope to flush surgical debris from the viewing end of the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope with a flexible elongate insertion shaft, an illumination guide extending longitudinally through the insertion shaft, and an image guide extending longitudinally through the insertion shaft. The insertion shaft is formed along an outer surface with at least one longitudinally extending channel longitudinally traversable by an elongate endoscopic instrument. The channel having a longitudinally extending slot so that the channel is open to the ambient environment along at least a portion of its length.

Abstract: A sheath device (1) suitable for endoscopic instruments (2) and comprising an elongated tubular member (4) having a proximal end (6), a distal open end (7), and at least one fluid channel (23). A flushing unit (5) is connected to the proximal end (6) of the tubular member (4) and comprises a proximal open end (8) suitable for receiving a first endoscopic instrument (2), a fluid inlet (16) in contact with said fluid channel (23), and a fluid outlet (17). The tubular member and the flushing unit together define a first interior guiding passage (10) for sheathing at least a part of said first endoscopic instrument (2). The connection between the tubular member (4) and the flushing unit (5) allows for axial rotation of the tubular member (4) in relation to the flushing unit (5).

Abstract: A method for positioning a device, such as an endcap, on an endoscope is disclosed. The method can be used, for example, for facilitating pressing an endcap onto an endoscope, including in those applications where the endscope is disposed in a sheath and the endcap is positioned at the distal end of the sheath.

Abstract: An over-tube for use in an endoscopic treatment in an abdominal cavity using an endoscope includes an over-tube main body which is inserted from a distal portion thereof via a natural opening in a patient's body to access the inside of the abdominal cavity from the distal portion through a lumen wall, and an internal cover which is disposed in a passage of the endoscope disposed in an inner cavity of the over-tube main body and which is extractible from a proximal portion of the over-tube main body.

Abstract: A balloon attaching jig is constituted by a ring member and a pair of nail members. After the insertion of the pair of nail members into an attaching hole of a balloon, the leading end of an insertion portion of an endoscope is pushed into an opening of the ring member. The diameter of the pair of nail members is expanded by a pushing-in force of the leading end of the insertion portion generated during this pushing in. As a result of this, the leading end of the insertion portion is inserted into the attaching hole of the balloon and hence the balloon can be easily attached to the leading end of the insertion portion of the endoscope.

Abstract: A protective body packages an exterior of a capsule endoscope body of a capsule endoscope such that a field of vision of an objective lens system is not obstructed. As a result, even if the capsule endoscope collides against a wall surface inside an object being examined, a circular cylinder portion of the protective body is elastically deformed so that the protective body itself becomes a shock absorbing portion and protects each portion inside a case as well as actual LED covers and a lens cover. As a result, the capsule endoscope body can be recovered in an undamaged condition, and unnecessary costs can be reduced by reusing the capsule endoscope body.

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: A removable, resilient atraumatic sheath for arthroscopic instruments. The sheath covers sharp edges on the arthroscopic instrument, particularly the distal tip of the rigid cannula, and thereby protects tissue and objects near a surgical site from accidental trauma. The sheath may be provided in the form of an inflow/outflow sheath that allows a surgeon to irrigate and drain a surgical field without the use of a separate irrigation instrument.

Abstract: A removable, resilient atraumatic sheath for arthroscopic instruments. The sheath covers sharp edges on the arthroscopic instrument, particularly the distal tip of the rigid cannula, and thereby protects tissue and objects near a surgical site from accidental trauma. The sheath may be provided in the form of an inflow/outflow sheath that allows a surgeon to irrigate and drain a surgical field without the use of a separate irrigation instrument. The sheath is provided with a cylindrical grip on the proximal end to resiliently squeeze the proximal end of the arthroscopic instrument. A lever is provided to move the grip radially outwardly to release the grip from the arthroscopic instrument.

Abstract: A stylet unit is provided for implanting in a body, with the aid of an earlier installed tubular delivery sheath having a lumen with an inner diameter, a lead system including a distal electrode for an implantable cardiac stimulation device being slidably received in the lumen of the introducer device. An elongated main member is engageable with a thrusting region of the lead for advancing the distal electrode to a desired body stimulation site and an integral resilient knob at a proximal end serves to manipulate the main member. The knob has a nominal outer dimension greater than the inner diameter of the delivery sheath lumen and is compressible in directions transverse of the longitudinal axis. The delivery sheath can be slidably advanced across the knob which becomes compressed, enabling its continued slidable transit across the knob and, eventually, free of the lead system and of the stylet unit.

Abstract: A combined component for use with an endoscopic apparatus for inspecting a body channel of gastrointestinal system of a patient is disclosed. The endoscopic apparatus comprises an insertion tube coverable by a covering sleeve deployable on the insertion tube upon advancing the insertion tube into the body channel. The combined component comprises an outer housing portion and an inner bushing portion. The inner bushing portion is receivable within the housing portion such that an annular space is provided therebetween for retaining the covering sleeve thereinto. The outer housing portion is provided with a bite portion, to be grasped between the patient's teeth.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing of disposable protecting sleeve is described. The sleeve is intended for covering of at least a portion of a flexible insertion tube of an endoscope. The dispenser comprises frontal housing detachably connectable to a rear housing. The frontal housing comprises cover assembly detachably connected thereto and the rear housing comprises sleeve anchoring member and a retaining assembly. The retaining assembly is provided with a distribution bushing through which a lubricant can be distributed and dislodged on the insertion tube. The distribution bushing is elastically deformable and is deployed within the retaining assembly with possibility for relative rotation with respect to the retaining assembly.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for removing a cover from a medical instrument includes a flexible cover configured to cover at least a portion of a medical instrument, an insertion element coupled proximate a first end of the flexible cover, a pair of substantially parallel perforations formed in the insertion element, a pair of substantially parallel score lines formed in the cover and aligned with the pair of substantially parallel perforations. A portion of the insertion element between the pair of substantially parallel perforations is removable from the insertion element and a portion of the flexible cover between the pair of substantially parallel score lines is removable from the flexible cover when a force is applied to the portion of the insertion element between the pair of substantially parallel perforations.

Abstract: An endoscope sheath includes a web member disposable in a tubular configuration in engagement with an endoscope insertion member, the member being provided with a tear string in the form of a tensile member. The tear string preferably extends longitudinally along the web member. In addition, the tear string preferably extends from one end of the web member to an opposite end thereof and is disposed along a weakened area of the web member. The web member is provided in a plurality of regions with a layer of adhesive material. The adhesive material of at least one of the regions is permanent adhesive, whereas the adhesive material of at least another of the regions forms a separable bond. These regions extend along opposing longitudinal edges of the web member.

Abstract: A tip end part (22) of an outer sheath (20) is rotatable about an axis in a predetermined range with respect to a tip end part (13) of a flexible insertion portion (11). A channel deformation space (19) which enables a part in the vicinity of the tip end of a channel tube (23) to be rotated with following the rotation while being elastically deformed is disposed. A locking mechanism (18, 28) is engaged or disengaged by rotating the tip end part (22) of the outer sheath (20) about the axis in the predetermined range with respect to the tip end part (13) of the flexible insertion portion (11).

Abstract: Combination of an endoscope and a sheath for covering an inserting tube of the endoscope, the sheath includes an elastic tubular member having an open proximal end and a closed distal end, and the endoscope is provided with an air feeding tube for feeding air from a distal end of the inserting tube to inflate the tubular member when the inserting tube is inserted into the tubular member to be covered therewith.

Abstract: Apparatus for sheathing an endoscopic tool includes a sheathing assembly, which includes a sleeve dispenser and a port adapter for mating with a proximal port of an endoscopic working channel so as to permit the endoscopic tool to be advanced through the sheathing assembly into the working channel. A flexible sleeve in the sheathing assembly has a distal end, which is fixed to the sleeve dispenser, and a proximal end, which is adapted to engage the endoscopic tool as the endoscopic tool is retracted from the working channel, causing the sleeve to extend out of the dispenser in a proximal direction so as to sheath the endoscopic tool.

Abstract: A cover for preventing contamination of an operating portion covered on an operating portion of an endoscope a lower end of which is connected with an inserting portion. The cover is formed in a bag-like shape for enveloping a total of the operating portion, formed with a hole for passing the inserting portion at a lower end portion thereof and formed with a sleeve-like portion for inserting the hand to directly hold the operating portion at a rear face thereof.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument is provided. The protective sleeve includes a flexible tube having an opening at each end of the tube and a length to cover a desired portion of the surgical instrument. At one end of the tube may be an elastic band that allows the sleeve to be positioned over the instrument or to be retracted to reveal the instrument for use. Additionally, the tube may also include a second band that may be fixed or movable. The tube also may have a perforation running along the length of the tube to allow for the sleeve to be easily removed from the instrument. A circumferential perforation may also be provided. A method for using the protective sleeve is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protecting a cover. According to the invention, said cover is flexible and tubular in shape being closed at one end and open at its other end, and said cover is disposed at least in part inside a hollow tubular protective element referred to as a protective tube, which element is open at both ends. The device of the invention is particularly suited for use in the medical field, in particular for covering, preferably in sterile manner, a tool that is to be inserted in an animal or a human being, in particular in a natural passage such as the esophagus, the urethra, the rectum, or a blood vessel.

Abstract: A cover tube, which is formed to be opened only at its upper surface and closed at its remaining portions, is disposed so as to be attachable and detachable beneath a hanger for suspending and holding an endoscope or an endoscope treatment member and so as to surround the tip end portion of the endoscope or the endoscope treatment member in a state of being suspended from and held by the hanger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protecting a cover. According to the invention, said cover is flexible and tubular in shape being closed at one end and open at its other end, and said cover is disposed at least in part inside a hollow tubular protective element referred to as a protective tube, which element is open at both ends. The device of the invention is particularly suited for use in the medical field, in particular for covering, preferably in sterile manner, a tool that is to be inserted in an animal or a human being, in particular in a natural passage such as the esophagus, the urethra, the rectum, or a blood vessel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering a medical instrument over the exterior of an endoscope while the endoscope is installed in the patient's body allow the use of instruments which are too large to fit through the lumena of an endoscope. Furthermore, the invention allows the elimination of working lumena in an endoscope thereby minimizing the likelihood of contamination.

Abstract: Combination of an endoscope and a sheath for covering an inserting tube of the endoscope, the sheath includes an elastic tubular member having an open proximal end and a closed distal end, and the endoscope is provided with an air feeding tube for feeding air from a distal end of the inserting tube to inflate the tubular member when the inserting tube is inserted into the tubular member to be covered therewith.