Abstract: An image pickup apparatus is provided with a prism unit, two solid image pickup devices, two FPCs electrically connected to the solid image pickup devices and on which an electronic component is mounted, respectively, and two communication cables for supplying power to the electronic components through the FPCs and carrying out signal transmission/receiving with the solid image pickup devices, in which a first communication cable and a second communication cable are arranged adjacently and disposed so that a line connecting a center of the first communication cable to a center of the second communication cable is in a diagonal direction of an incident face of the second solid image pickup device in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis O of an objective lens unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoscopic visioning system and related method for both forward and backward viewing of a body lumen. According to an embodiment, the system includes an endoscope, a vision head including a light source and a vision chip on both a proximal and a distal side of the vision head, and an extension arm for moving the vision head away from and back toward the endoscope. Alternatively, the light source and vision chip may be contained in a distal end of the endoscope. In such an alternative embodiment, the vision head is a parabolic mirror mounted on the extension arm for reflecting images, for example, from behind the distal end of the endoscope to the vision chip in the distal end of the endoscope to permit, for example, a retrograde view of the surgical site entrance.

Abstract: An endoscope hood includes: an opening portion which is placed on a far side with respect to a leading end surface of an insertion part of an endoscope, wherein an opening is formed on the opening portion in a direction substantially orthogonal to an axial direction of the insertion part; and a flexible hood part configured to cover a portion other than the opening, on the far side with respect to the leading end surface of the insertion part, wherein gas inside of the hood part is sucked from a gas suction port of the insertion part, the opening is adsorbed onto a region to be measured, and the hood part is deformed so as to be closely adhered to the region to be measured within a range of the opening and a probe, to thereby fix the probe to the region to be measured in a state where the probe is set therealong.

Abstract: Hermetically sealed enclosures and constructions are disclosed for use in endoscopic systems, particularly endoscopic systems with electronic imaging and illumination systems in the enclosures. Compound optical windows are also disclosed for use in the systems. The compound optical windows may have separate panes for an imaging system and an illumination system, and contrast-reducing optical boundaries are between panes.

Abstract: An endoscope device comprising: an elongated tubular insertion part; a plurality of arm members which is provided in the distal portion of the insertion part so as to protrude forward and is capable of treatment with a treatment tool inserted thereinto; an observation main body provided in the distal portion of the insertion part so as to freely separate from the insertion part; an energization member which energizes the observation main body disposed within the distal portion of the insertion part toward the direction opposite to the plurality of the arm members in the radial direction of the insertion part; and a holding mechanism which resists the energization member to hold the observation main body in a state where the observation main body is disposed within the distal portion of the insertion part and is capable of releasing the holding state.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for obtaining endoluminal access. An elongate body is configured for insertion within a body lumen, conduit, organ, orifice, passageway or cavity, the elongate body having a working axis and a distal region, and an articulating element disposed near the distal region, the articulating element configured to articulate off-axis from the working axis of the elongate body. The elongate may achieve access in an endoluminal or a laparoscopic fashion. Methods of using the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A propellable apparatus comprises one or more rotatable membranes. The rotatable membranes include an inner surface at least partially defining an encircled region and a continuous outer surface that turns outward to engage a cavity or lumen wall, for example, and turns inward to at least partially encompass a central region defining a longitudinal path. The membranes are powerable to provide movement relative to the cavity or lumen wall. The apparatus further comprises an inflatable and deflatable support structure, configured to bias the outer surface of the membranes outward to engage the cavity or lumen wall at a first outer diameter, and be deformable inward in response to a compressive force or operator command to provide a second outer diameter that is less than the first outer diameter. In some examples, the rotatable membranes include belt-like membranes, and the inflatable and deflatable support structure includes at least one impermeable bladder.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a distal end opening of a treatment instrument insertion channel opened at a side surface of a distal end portion; a treatment instrument elevator base that is provided at a position facing the distal end opening in the treatment instrument insertion channel and leads a distal end of a treatment instrument protruding from the distal end opening, to a desired position; a first wall portion along the insertion direction of the distal end opening; and a second wall portion at a proximal end side of the insertion direction of the distal end opening and provided with a groove in which a part of the treatment instrument elevator base is fitted when the treatment instrument elevator base is raised, and as the treatment instrument elevator base is raised, a guide wire protruding from the distal end opening is releasably engaged by contacting the treatment instrument elevator base, the first wall portion, and a surface constituting the groove of the second wall portion.

Abstract: A tube assembly for an endoscope includes a steering device and a flexible tube device on a proximal side. The tube assembly includes an inner sleeve. An outer sleeve receives one end portion of the inner sleeve in an axial direction, for connection of the flexible tube device to the steering device. A flow opening is formed in a portion of the outer sleeve disposed around the inner sleeve. A distribution groove is formed between an outer wall surface of the inner sleeve and an inner wall surface of the outer sleeve, to extend from the flow opening. A seal cavity is formed in the inner and outer sleeves to extend from the distribution groove in a direction away from the flow opening. Flowing solder material is supplied in the flow opening, charged in the distribution groove and the seal cavity, for attaching the outer sleeve to the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A video endoscope system includes a reusable control cabinet and an endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope may be used with a single patient and then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or actuators in a control handle of the endoscope. Fluidics, electrical, navigation, image, display and data entry controls are integrated into the system along with other accessories.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for manipulating scoping devices, surgical tools, and/or tissue. An exemplary system for manipulating a scoping device can include a scoping device having a working channel, a tether extending through the working channel, and an internal coupling member attached to the tether and positioned adjacent to a distal end of the scoping device. The internal coupling member can be magnetically coupled to an external coupling member. An exemplary method for manipulating a scoping device can include inserting at least a portion of a scoping device into a body cavity and positioning an external coupling member proximate to an external surface of tissue such that the external coupling member magnetically couples through the tissue to an internal coupling member disposed within the body cavity and attached to a tether passed through at least one working channel of the scoping device.

Abstract: An endoscopic device includes a proximal side contact portion coming into air-tight contact with an outer peripheral portion of the insertion section, and a cavity is defined between the insertion section and a fixed member to a distal direction side of the proximal side contact portion. In a protruding state of a hood, a first path which makes an inside of the hood communicate with the cavity is defined, and the hood is in air-tight contact with the fixed member over an entire circumference in circumferential directions at a distal side contact portion. In a housed state of the hood, a second path which makes the cavity to communicate with an outside of the fixed member is defined.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for obtaining endoluminal access. An elongate body is configured for insertion within a body lumen, conduit, organ, orifice or passageway, the elongate body having a working axis and a distal region, and an articulating element disposed near the distal region, the articulating element configured to articulate off-axis from the working axis of the elongate body. Methods of using apparatus of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: An improved ligating system with a ligating barrel having an adjustable diameter for use with endoscopes of varying sizes is disclosed. The adjustable diameter may be provided by a collet, a flexible helical band, a plurality of screws, or a tapered elastomeric section.

Abstract: An endoscope treatment system includes: an endoscope; and a treatment tool that has a sheath that is inserted in a channel of an insertion portion of the endoscope, in which projection portions that project outward from the sheath in the radial direction are provided, and engagement portions that engage the projection portions are provided near the channel of the endoscope.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes an endoscope tip including a housing that is monolithically formed of a transparent material. At least one optical component is at least partially encased within the housing. The optical component can be, for example, a light source, a fiber optic, an imaging sensor, a lens, a reflector or a light shield. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes an endoscope having a distal end portion that includes a housing. The housing is monolithically formed with a transparent material and a light source is at least partially encased within the housing. The housing also includes a micro-defects portion within the transparent material of the housing. The micro-defects portion is configured to provide a selected output shape of a beam of light produced by the light source.

Abstract: An endoscopic imaging device includes an objective optical system, an imaging element, a transmissive protective substrate, an optical member, and a circuit board. The objective optical system imports observation light from a subject. The imaging element captures an image of the observation light. The transmissive protective substrate is disposed on an imaging surface of the imaging element with an air gap interposed therebetween. The optical member is disposed between the objective optical system and the transmissive protective substrate to guide light from the objective optical system to the imaging surface. The circuit board is disposed so that an area where an electronic component is mounted faces the optical member and the electronic component is brought into contact with an outer surface of the optical member.

Abstract: Various embodiments for providing solid state illumination for endoscopy or borescopy are provided. Generally, various medical or industrial devices can include one or more solid state or other compact electro-optic illuminating devices located thereon. The solid state or compact electro-optic illuminating device can include, but is not limited to, a light emitting diode (LED), laser diode (LD), or other Infrared (IR) or Ultraviolet (UV) source. Solid state sources of various wavelengths may be used to illuminate an object for imaging or detecting purpose or otherwise conditioning purpose. The solid state illuminating device may be placed on the exterior surface of the device, inside the device, deployably coupled to the distal end of the device, or otherwise disposed on the device.

Abstract: The present invention is an endoscope system comprising an endoscope provided with a distal end inserted into a subject body and a proximal end having a site capable of being held by a physician and provided with an endoscope insertion unit having a first flexible portion arranged on the distal end thereof and a second flexible portion coupled to the proximal end of the first flexible portion and provided with a site having an outer diameter larger than a site having the maximum outer diameter of the first flexible portion; and an endoscope insertion assisting device, in which the inner diameter of a distal opening of an insertion hole through which the endoscope insertion unit is inserted is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the second flexible portion.

Abstract: Epicardial access and treatment systems are described herein where such devices may utilize multiple expanding frame members coupled to a flexible or rigid deployment catheter shaft. The multiple frame members may extend distally to collapse into a low-profile configuration and may further expand or open radially to create a working or surgical field under direct visualization and defined by the frame members and surrounding membrane while retracting any surrounding tissue. Moreover, the distal ends of each frame member may be tapered such that the frame members may close tightly relative to one another forming an atraumatic end. Any number of therapeutic tools can be passed through the catheter for performing any number of procedures on the tissue.

Abstract: An endoscopic lens cleaning apparatus includes an end cap, a lens, first and second magnets, one or more guide rails to couple housings for the first and second magnets, and a wiper assembly that is attached to and capable of gliding along the guide rail. The wiper assembly houses a wiper magnet that interacts with the first and second magnets. At least one of the wiper magnet or first and second magnets is an electromagnet, coupled to a power supply via a switch. A controller alternates the polarity of current supplied to the electromagnet to cause the wiper assembly to glide along the rail. A wiper attached to the wiper assembly likewise glides along the lens, thereby cleaning it. The controller is programmable, and can operate in continuous, intermittent, or as needed cleaning modes.

Abstract: An endoscope includes, an insertion section, a distal end section body has an observation window, a liquid feed path which is formed to supply a liquid to the distal end section body side, a gas feed path which is formed to supply a gas to the distal end section body side, and a nozzle having a confluent portion which makes confluent the liquid supplied from the liquid feed path and the gas supplied from the gas feed path, and a jet outlet which jets a gas/liquid mixture fluid, which is mixed in the confluent portion, toward the observation window, wherein the nozzle is configured such that an angle, which is formed between a direction of a flow of the liquid toward the jet outlet and a direction of a flow of the gas toward the jet outlet, is set at an obtuse angle of 90° or more.

Abstract: A cannula assembly includes a tubular element forming a lumen, a deployable portion of the tubular element, and an electronic component mounted to the deployable portion of the tubular element. The tubular element has a proximal end and a distal end adapted to be inserted into a body cavity. The deployable portion of the tubular element is engaged near the distal end of the tubular element so as to transition between a closed position and an open position. The electronic component is at least partially disposed in the lumen when the deployable portion is in the closed position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a positioning mechanism configured to maintain the relative position of a treatment instrument with respect to an underlying endoscope during a treatment procedure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a hollow member having a sidewall provided with a window and a closure member movably connected to the hollow member for alternately covering and uncovering the window. The hollow member has a first clamping surface along an edge of the window, while the closure member has a second clamping surface opposing the first clamping surface and disposable substantially adjacent thereto in a clamping or closure configuration of the instrument. The instrument additionally comprises a tissue occlusion component mounted to at least one of the hollow member and the closure member for acting on tissues gripped between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface, to couple the tissues to each other.

Abstract: An endoscope insertion portion includes an image pick-up assembly including an image pick-up unit and an image pick-up cable provided in order from the distal end portion to the proximal end side wherein the outer diameter of the image pick-up unit is larger than the outer diameter of the image pick-up cable, and a channel assembly arranged side by side with the image pick-up assembly and including a thin outer diameter portion and a thick outer diameter portion provided in order from the distal end portion to the proximal end side wherein a distal end portion of the thick outer diameter portion is arranged on more proximal end side than a proximal end portion of the image pick-up unit.

Abstract: Tissue visualization device having a fluid barrier is described herein where an imaging hood is temporarily sealed against a region of tissue to be treated while under direct visualization. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. The imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to the tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A field of view of the imaging element can be expanded and the blood can also be purged in part by inflating a balloon beyond the imaging hood where the balloon is integrally formed along an interior surface of the hood.

Abstract: An image pickup unit according to the present invention, includes a solid-state image pickup device provided with a light receiving portion for receiving photographing light refracted and reflected by a reflection surface of an optical reflection member. The image pickup unit also includes a protection member which is surface-joined to and to protect at least the area of an effective reflection surface within the reflection surface by which the photographing light is refracted and made incident on the light receiving portion. Thereby, when the image pickup unit is provided in an electronic endoscope including the optical component for refracting and reflecting the photographing light, it is possible to improve the assembling property of the image pickup unit including the optical component, and possible to prevent the optical component from being damaged under various environment.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a side viewing observation section and a forward viewing observation section provided on a distal end side of an insertion portion which is inserted into an observation target for acquiring subject images of an observation target in a circumferential direction and an insertion direction of the insertion portion, respectively, a shielding section located within a viewing field of the side viewing observation section for shielding light from the subject entering the side viewing observation section and a protruding member protruding from the insertion portion arranged in a shielding region formed by the shielding section. The protruding member includes at least a cleaning nozzle for cleaning the forward viewing observation section and/or the side viewing observation section.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus is disclosed, which includes a tube body, a cover, a first image capture module, a second image capture module and a connecting tube. The first image capture module captures an image with a first view, and the second image capture module captures an image with a second view. A first flexible printed circuit board (PCB) is disposed inside the tube body, and a second flexible PCB is disposed inside the connecting tube. The connecting tube is connected with the tube body via the connecting between the first flexible PCB and the second flexible PCB, so as to transmit the images captured by the first image capture module or the second image capture module.

Abstract: A disposable endoscope body having an enclosure in its distal end for a non-disposable element, such as a video camera head. Because of its complexity and sensitivity, the camera head is non-disposable and cannot be sterilized. The camera head is sealed in the endoscope body, such that it does not contaminate the patient during the procedure. Sealing is achieved using an end cap. After use, the camera is withdrawn from the proximal end of the endoscope, which, being near to or within the workstation, has not been inserted into the subject and should be free of patient contamination. Passage of the camera out through the proximal end therefore avoids contamination by the patient, such that it can be used again without need for sterilization. A dispensing kit is described, for supplying the sterile endoscope body and for installing and sealing the camera with a minimum of manual intervention.

Abstract: The present invention has a configuration that an observing portion observing an area to be examined and first and second illumination portions performing irradiation of illumination light are disposed on a distal end face of an insertion portion to be inserted into the area to be examined, and a first lens which is a distal end observation lens of an observation window of the observation portion is disposed at a position projecting to a distal end side beyond the distal end face. With the abovementioned configuration, an endoscope provided with an observation optical system of an object contact type performing contact observation to a live body where a sharp observation image can be obtained is provided.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an outer shaft with a distal end whose surface is configured by a cylindrical mantle surface and a curved front surface, such that the distal end of the outer shaft includes a mantle component and a curved front component that is joined to the mantle component. A distance of an interface between the mantle component and the front component from an edge between the mantle surface and the curved front surface is no greater than a wall thickness of the mantle component or no greater than a wall thickness of the front component.

Abstract: Medical systems, devices and methods are disclosed for suturing a perforation in tissue, that may be employed endoscopically and/or laparoscopically, and that offer simple, reliable and controllable placement of suture around a perforation for complete closure thereof. One embodiment of the medical device generally includes an endcap for use with an endoscope to suture an opening in tissue using a tissue anchor. The endcap has a tubular shape defined by an annular sidewall, and the sidewall defines an interior space. A side port is further defined by the annular sidewall and is in communication with the interior space. The side port is sized to receive and locate the tissue within the interior space for suturing. A support rib is positioned within the interior space and distal to the side port. The support rib and sidewall define a piercing aperture therebetween that supports the tissue being sutured.

Abstract: A medical needle set for visualized tissue ablation within a subject's body includes a cannula and components configured for inclusion in the cannula, including a trocar for occlusion of the cannula lumen during needle placement, and a visualizing ablation probe used for simultaneous endoscopic viewing and ablation of tissue sites with a laser beam. The cannula can include a tissue-gripping surface for stabilization of the needle set on the target tissue. A surgical system for tissue ablation includes a visualizing ablation needle set operably connected to an endoscope and a laser. A surgical procedure using this system permits simultaneous visualization and ablation of tissues, including those of the facet joints of the spine.

Abstract: Apparatus for accessing a bodily passageway, the apparatus comprising: a flexible tube having a distal end and a proximal end, a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end, the lumen being sized to receive matter to be transported through the bodily passageway; and an external thread disposed over the distal end of the tube, the external thread having a sufficient structural integrity, and a sufficient surface profile, such that when the tube is disposed in a bodily passageway, rotation of the tube about the longitudinal axis will result in longitudinal motion of the tube along said bodily passageway.

Abstract: An endoscope having an endoscope shaft is provided, which has an observation opening on its distal end, which is hermetically sealed using a transparent cover, and having an imaging optic, comprising multiple optic elements, which is situated inside the endoscope shaft in the area of its distal end spaced apart from the cover, a sealing ring being provided, which seals an area between the cover and the optic element of the imaging optic closest to the cover in relation to the remaining inner chamber of the endoscope shaft.

Abstract: A lens drive control apparatus of the present invention controls a lens drive system that has a lens frame that holds a lens so as to be movable forward and backward in an optical axis direction of an optical lens, and a transmitting member that transmits to the lens frame a driving force generated by a strain deformation of a shape memory alloy member that exhibits a predetermined hysteresis characteristic between a temperature and an amount of deformation. The lens drive control apparatus includes a control section that, at a timing at which an instruction that causes the lens frame to move forward or backward stops, performs control that changes a temperature of the shape memory alloy member to a temperature belonging to a dead zone of the predetermined hysteresis characteristic.

Abstract: A wide angle HDTV endoscope includes at least two optical imaging channels. Lenses close each channel at the distal end of the endoscope. The imaging channels each have a different field of view in complementary directions, and have overlapping or cross-over field of view areas. Received images are transmitted along the longitudinal axis of the imaging channels of the endoscope to a camera head that contains a wide screen image sensing device. An external light source provides the required lighting and an image processing device can provide necessary software algorithms to format the images and to control any overlapping or cross-over field of view areas to obtain a single display image. In another arrangement, optical blocking elements provided at the proximal end of the endoscope or within the imaging channels eliminate portions of one or more images from the imaging channels so that at the cross-over areas only a single image is provided to the imaging device.

Abstract: Tissue visualization devices and variations thereof are described herein where such devices may utilize a variety of methods for facilitating clearing of the device of opaque bodily fluids and sealing between the device and the underlying tissue surface. Additionally, methods and devices for enhancing navigation of the device through a patient body are also described.

Abstract: An endoscope system has an endoscope; an attachment for the endoscope, having a non-circular irregularly shaped hole that communicates with an opening of a channel of the endoscope and attached to a forward end of an insertion section of the endoscope; and a treatment instrument for the endoscope, having a flexible tube and a treatment section. An extension/retraction section having a non-circular cross section corresponding to the shape of an opening of the irregularly shaped holes is provided at a forward end of the flexible tube, and the irregularly shaped hole restricts rotation of the flexible tube. Further, the treatment section has directivity about its axis relative to the flexible tube and its rotation is restricted.

Abstract: Dilators with a threaded distal portion and direct visualization capability may be used for penetrating and dilating stiff tissues and bones. The threaded portion of a dilator engages the tissue between the insertion site and the target site, and may be rotated for advancing through the target tissue in a more controlled fashion. The direct visualization capability may be used to visualize the ligament as the threaded distal portion passes through the ligamentum flavum. The devices and methods described may be used in procedures, for example, where ligaments surrounding the epidural space need to be dilated in order to deliver one or more surgical instruments into the epidural space.

Abstract: A side-viewing endoscope structure includes a front tubular section, an intermediate tubular section, a rear cap and an optical imaging unit. The front tubular section includes a tube, a reflector holder, and a reflector. The tube includes a main body and a coupling portion. The reflector holder is fitted in the main body of the tube and provided on one side of an outer wall surface thereof. The reflector is arranged on the reflector holder. A length of the intermediate tubular section has a reduced outer diameter to match the coupling portion. The rear cap has a rear wall provided with a cable hole. The optical imaging unit is located in the intermediate tubular section and the rear cap, and includes a flexible printed circuit board, a camera lens, a light source and a cable so as to transmit images.

Abstract: A handheld device for performing an optical medical examination of a patient. The device comprises a handle; an image sensor positioned at an end of the handle; a trigger provided in the handle; an image memory for storing the image data upon activation of the trigger; a roll of print media mounted in the handle; an ink supply within a core of the roll of print media; a media transportation mechanism; a pagewidth print head extending longitudinally within the handle; a guillotine mechanism for severing a printed image from the transported print media; and a print engine controller.

Abstract: An endoscope includes light emitting devices arranged in the distal end portion of its insertion unit, and at least one elongated heat-radiating member. One end of the radiating member is arranged in the vicinity of the light emitting devices and the other end is arranged in a predetermined position adjacent to the proximal end of the insertion unit. In observation using the endoscope, a decrease in the amount of illumination rays or the occurrence of image noise can be prevented, the decrease and the noise being caused due to heat generated by LED illumination lights arranged at the distal end of the insertion unit. Therefore, observation can be performed for a long time in good conditions.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes a transparent member provided at a distal end of an insertion portion of an endoscope to face an image pickup optical system, an ultrasonic transducer attached to an inner surface of the transparent member, and a deflection portion provided at an outer surface of the transparent member which changes a direction of propagation of an ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic transducer. With the configuration, an ultrasonic wave for stain removal is efficiently propagated from the ultrasonic transducer into a region of an observation field of view in an observation window.

Abstract: An outer tube for natural orifice surgery. The outer tube can have interchangeable inserts to establish a desired size and number of lumens. A distal tapered soft plastic plug may be provided to cover the distal end of the tube. Different segments of the tube may have different stiffness characteristics.

Abstract: A surgical imaging device is provided, including a housing configured to couple to an outer surface of a surgical device and an image capture arrangement configured to generate image data; the surgical imaging device may also include a circuit arrangement disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to the camera arrangement, in which the circuit arrangement is configured to communicate the image data to at least one remote device.

Abstract: A distal end portion successively provided from an insertion part distal end of an endoscope is provided with an air supply and water supply nozzle, an observation window, and illumination windows, and are formed with mutually parallel first and second flat surfaces. The surface of the observation window is disposed at the same position as the second flat surface. An inclined surface that connects the first flat surface and the second flat surface together is formed at a position that faces the air supply and water supply nozzle. Fluid guide surfaces are formed on both sides of the inclined surface. The fluid guide surfaces incline toward the illumination windows. A fluid jetted from the air supply and water supply nozzle impacts against the inclined surface, spreads to the observation window, and is guided to the fluid guide surfaces, and flows to the illumination windows.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided, comprising a first tube whose distal end is sealed with a cover glass disposed in a mount and an electric heating system for heating the cover glass, with the heating system comprising two electric connections which can be connected with a power source, and an electrically conductive coating which is applied to the inside of the cover glass and comprises two mutually spaced contact sections, of which one each is electrically connected with one of the connections, and with the mount being electrically conductive and a first of the two contact sections being electrically connected via the mount with the associated connection.