Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for placing and advancing a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in a hollow body organ of a tortuous or unsupported anatomy, comprising a handle, an overtube, a distal region having an atraumatic tip. The overtube may be removable from the handle, and have a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle relative to the handle. The overtube may be selectively stiffened to reduce distension of the organ caused by advancement of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument. The distal region permits passive steering of the overtube caused by deflection of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument while the atraumatic tip prevents the wall of the organ from becoming caught or pinched during manipulation of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument.

Abstract: An endoscope system is provided with a light guide including a plurality of optical paths, and a low-coherent light source that emits a low-coherent light beams. The low-coherent light source is provided at a proximal end side of the light guide. The light beams emitted by the low-coherent light source are incident on the plurality of optical paths, respectively. The endoscope system is further provided with an interferometer unit.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a first lens barrel having a brazing surface in at least a brazing portion thereof, and supporting an optical window member brazed thereon, and a second lens barrel arranged to be proximal with respect to the optical window member and supporting optical members on the inner circumference thereof. At least a distal end surface of one of the second lens barrel, a diaphragm member, a spacer ring, and the optical members has light reflectance lower than that of the brazing surface of the first lens barrel. At least the inner circumference of the second lens barrel has a light reflectance lower than that of the brazing surface of the first lens barrel or has a reflection surface more irregular than the brazing surface of the first lens barrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope head which is equipped with a plurality of function-related units such as an optical/lens system, illuminating elements, rinsing nozzles and the like. The endoscope head substantially comprises a plurality of modular plug-in or click-in function-related supports for receiving and/or forming the function-related units.

Abstract: A cover glass frame as a second frame body mounting thereto a cover glass is fitted onto an objective lens frame, which is a first frame body mounting thereto a tip end lens and an objective lens as optical members, in a manner to be movable in a direction of optical axis, and is fixed after having been adjusted in position in the direction of optical axis. The objective lens frame and the cover glass frame thus fitted and fixed are fitted into and joined to a cylindrical member to constitute an imaging unit, which is then arranged in a tip end portion of an insertion part of an endoscope. Thereby, focus adjustment can be performed on the optical members, which are assembled into the imaging unit, and a tip end side portion of the insertion part of the endoscope can be made small in outer diameter to prevent entry of vapor into the imaging unit even when autoclave sterilization is carried out.

Abstract: An optical instrument, in particular an endoscope, has a shaft and an interchangeable head. The interchangeable head is detachably connected to the distal end of the shaft at a coupling point. The instrument also has a first transmission system for distal transmission of illuminating power, and a second transmission system for proximal transmission of image information, the first transmission system and the second transmission system passing through the coupling point.

Abstract: An endoscope tip protection system for shielding the optical component at the distal end of an endoscope. The system comprises a tubular sheath which is optically transparent at least at its distal end, and adapted to fit onto and be retained on the scope tip. The scope/sheath assembly is then inserted into an open ended tubular fiberoptic illuminating cannula which is adapted to receive the scope/sheath assembly and prevent the tubular sheath from falling out.

Abstract: An endoscopic visualization apparatus has a first imaging system and at least one second imaging system, a first image field being covered by the first imaging system, and a second image field being covered by the second imaging system. The first imaging system and the second imaging system are arranged in a common housing. The first imaging system and the second imaging system are significantly different with regard to at least one optical parameter, and the first image field and the at least one second image field overlap one another only partially.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a first portion with an axis approximately parallel to the axis of the cannula and a second portion with an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle is located at the distal end of the second portion of the retractor, and may include two substantially parallel, spaced legs with the retractor shaped in a loop between and in a plane skewed relative to the axes of the legs, and with the loop directed away from the surgical tool. Thus, in operation, when the surgeon locates a vessel and side branch of interest, the surgeon extends the retractor to cradle the vessel in the dissection cradle. Once cradled, the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate the side branch for exposure to the surgical tool.

Abstract: A cap of an endoscope has an end part. On an inner periphery of the end part, a reference mark showing an ideal focus position and six marks are formed with regular intervals. When a circular end surface of the cap is pressed against a mucous membrane, the mucous membrane swells to the reference mark. Therefore, the mucous membrane can be kept at the ideal focus position for an object optical system.

Abstract: A sheath assembly for a medical instrument such as an endoscope comprises an outer sheath and inner sheath and novel means for providing out-flow of fluids from a surgical site. The outer sheath is disposed about at least a portion of an inner sheath. The assembly has an outflow aperture disposed in an outer wall at the distal end of the assembly. The outflow aperture is the initiation for an outflow conduit that is generally longitudinally disposed in a distal tip portion of the assembly and communicates fluid to a main outflow channel formed between the outer sheath and inner sheath. In a preferred embodiment, the outflow aperture and conduit are disposed wholly or partially in a dielectric tip element. The novel assembly allows improved outflow by disposing the outflow aperture at a more distal end of the instrument than conventional devices such that the outflow aperture is less prone to blockage by surrounding tissue or debris when used in tight anatomical passages.

Abstract: An invasive imaging apparatus comprising: a flexible catheter with a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being shaped for insertion into a blood vessel along a guide wire thereby to reach remote places in the vasculature or other organs, an optical assembly positioned at the distal end of the catheter comprising an image sensor positioned non-perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the catheter and an illumination sensor, at least one illumination source for illuminating an immediate region beyond the distal end of the catheter, and at least one working channel running from the proximal to the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A hood for an endoscope has a cap part detachably mounted on the end portion of the insertion part of an endoscope. An opening communicates with the inside of the cap part, at the end of a flexible tube connected to the opening. Into the flexible tube, such an endoscopic treating instrument as a high frequency snare is inserted.

Abstract: Three magnetic field generating coils on the distal end side of the shape detection probe are provided in the curvable portion, and the first coil at the leading end position is placed at the position corresponding to the leading end curvable piece, whereas the third coil at the position corresponding to the trailing end curvable piece. Further, the second coil is placed at a middle position between the leading end curvable piece and the trailing end curvable piece in the curvable portion. With this structure, the accuracy of detecting the shape of the curvable portion can be improved, and the production cost of the system as a whole can be lowered.

Abstract: An endoscope having restricted dimensions and comprising at least one image gatherer, at least one image distorter and at least one image sensor shaped to fit within said limited dimensions, and wherein said image distorter is operable to distort an image received from said image gatherer so that the image is sensible at said shaped image sensor.

Abstract: A substrate having a plurality of light emitting diodes united therewith lies on a plane containing the longitudinal axis of an insertion unit of an endoscope and its neighborhood. Likewise, part of a first objective surface lies on the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the insertion unit of the endoscope and its neighborhood. As long as the diameter of the insertion unit remains unchanged, the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the insertion unit of the endoscope and its neighborhood provides the largest area for the light emitting diodes. The light emitting diode sub-assembly is therefore placed on the plane, whereby the outer diameter of a distal endoscope part can be made as small as possible.

Abstract: A tip portion of a flexible inserting tube of an electronic endoscope includes a solid-state image sensing device mounted in the tip portion of the flexible inserting tube. The solid-state image sensing device includes a buffer substrate having a rear surface. The rear surface is provided with an earth terminal. The rear surface is also provided with an electronic component protruding rearwards from the rear surface. An conductive block such as a metal block is fixed on the earth terminal. The conductive block protrudes rearwards beyond the electronic component. A signal cable is passed through the flexible tube. The signal cable has a ground line such as a woven metal shield surrounding at least one signal line of the signal cable. The ground line of the signal cable is connected to the conductive block at a side opposite to the buffer substrate.

Abstract: A variable-view arthroscope or similar instrument (endoscope, etc.) includes a housing tube with an object input end. The housing tube contains an object input assembly and a portion of a light relay assembly. The object input assembly includes an input lens and a first mirror. In some embodiments, the object input assembly includes a second mirror, and in alternative embodiments, the object input assembly includes a prism. The object input assembly passes images received from a viewing area to an object relay assembly that transmits the image object to the control end of the arthroscope. In some embodiments, the light relay assembly is formed of two mirrored rods. A control varies the position of the object input assembly to change the a viewing position of the arthroscope. In some embodiments, the control includes a push rod driven by a slide and cam/axle assembly.

Abstract: The insertion part of the endoscope has a cap fixed to the distal end face of a distal end body. A projecting part of the cap is inserted in a receiving hole formed on the distal end face. The inserted projecting part is fixed to the distal end body with a screw inserted in an attachment hole, which is formed on the periphery of the distal end body and connects with the receiving hole. Bending rubber covers the attachment hole as well as the outer periphery of the distal end body.

Abstract: A tip component is provided at an extremity of an insertion part of an endoscope. The tip component includes a body member, in which a forceps aperture is formed. A forceps tube is arranged inside the insertion part. A hard part is formed at the end of the forceps tube, at which the forceps tube is sandwiched between an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder. The hard part is inserted into the forceps aperture of the body of the tip component and is fixed with a screw. A connecting part between the forceps tube and the forceps aperture is thus formed in the body of the tip component, and the length of the tip component is reduced as a result.

Abstract: A stent deployment device for deploying a stent within a body cavity comprises an endoscope having a protective cap, a flexible stent, a sheath, and a flexible, elongated member. The protective cap is mounted on the distal end of the endoscope providing a protected surface for retaining the stent. The flexible stent is circumferentially compressed over the perimeter of the cap, and the sheath is then releasably wrapped around the stent to hold it in a compressed configuration over the cap. The flexible, elongated member, such as a wire extending through a working channel of the endoscope, is attached to either the sheath directly or to a releasing device for the sheath. After the endoscopic device is inserted in a body cavity, the flexible, elongated member is pulled through the working channel to release the sheath and deploy the stent into a desired body opening in the body cavity.

Abstract: An autoclavable flexible fiberscope for remote visualization. A flexible fiberscope shaft including a number of flexible fiberoptic image-transmitting fibers is attached to a video coupler for connection to a video camera or other external video device. High-temperature materials of fabrication and high-temperature seals are provided to resist damage during autoclave sterilization.

Abstract: A variable direction-of-view endoscope (74) with a spherical viewing window (34) symmetric about a symmetry plane (52) sealed to a distal end portion (18). The endoscope optical system can be adjusted to vary the direction of a view vector (22) through an unlimited range (50) about a pivot axis (23). The spherical viewing window (34) enables a process that switches the device between an initial configuration (54) and a final configuration (56), both having the same viewing direction (55). In addition to providing the user with an alternative to a possibly unfavorable viewpoint, this redundancy enables a stereo imaging process which captures (66) and displays (72) a stereo image pair (70) affording the user three-dimensional viewing.

Abstract: A video scope for simultaneously imaging a portion of the interior of an oral cavity from multiple directions. An entering portion, at its tip end, is bent. The tip end has a U-shaped pickup holding portion having a central portion and two wing portions. An inner wall of the central portion has an incident window capable of guiding image pickup light. There is a CCD unit, an objective lens, and an LED as a light source inside the central portion and the wings. A camera circuit in the grip of the scope operates the CCD unit and a video output cable is connected from the grip portion to a display such as a TV monitor.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope has a tip portion with a tip end. This electronic endoscope comprises an imaging element provided in the tip portion; an imaging optical system provided in the tip portion at a position closer to the tip end than the imaging element; and a plurality of light-emitting elements for emitting light, each of which is provided in the tip portion at a position closer to the tip end than the imaging element. Each of the light-emitting elements is arranged such that a part of the light-emitting element is seen so as to overlap with the imaging element when viewed from the optical axis direction of the imaging optical system. According to this arrangement, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the tip portion of the electronic endoscope. Further, when such an electronic endoscope is used as a medical endoscope, it becomes possible to relieve the pain that patients may feel.

Abstract: In an endoscope, an aspirated mucosa movement regulating portion is provided in a position intermediate between the distal end and the bottom of a tip hood for ensuring that the mucous membrane aspirated from the distal end of the tip hood toward an aspiration port will not get to viewing window.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an optical transesophageal echocardiography probe (OPTEE) having an optical fiber bundle, a suction channel and light channels for illumination, wherein the OPTEE has a circumference along its distal tip that allows both safe insertion and insures the stability of the probe. The probe tip is generally circular in circumference, but levels off to a flat surface for a portion of the circumference, and is provided with beveled edges and corner throughout so that there are no sharp edges to traumatize the patient.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a first portion with an axis approximately parallel to the axis of the cannula and a second portion with an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle is located at the distal end of the second portion of the retractor, and may include two substantially parallel, spaced legs with the retractor shaped in a loop between and in a plane skewed relative to the axes of the legs, and with the loop directed away from the surgical tool. Thus, in operation, when the surgeon locates a vessel and side branch of interest, the surgeon extends the retractor to cradle the vessel in the dissection cradle. Once cradled, the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate the side branch for exposure to the surgical tool.

Abstract: A treatment tool support device comprises a moving mechanism support member and a sheath connecting cap. The moving mechanism support member is manufactured by bending a plate in such a manner that a first bottom portion defining a part of a support groove is formed. A treatment tool moving mechanism for moving a biopsy forceps is supported. The sheath connecting cap is provided on an end portion of a sheath, in which an operating member for operating the biopsy forceps is provided. The sheath connecting cap is manufactured by deep drawing such as press molding. The first bottom portion of the moving mechanism support member is connected to a second bottom of the sheath connecting cap through crimping, welding or brazing.

Abstract: In an endoscope tip part in which a lens barrel is arranged and fixed to a mounting hole of a support body of the endoscope tip part and to this lens barrel, and an optical member such as an optical filter or a prism is connected by an optical part holding fixture, a part of an endoscope outer peripheral side of the optical part holding fixture is cut off, and to this notch part, the mounting hole is extended out like an extending part, and a step part on an outside of this support member is made deep (diameter is reduced). If an end part of an outer skin is bound with a string on this step part with a small diameter and fixed by adhesives, a swell of an outer skin fixing part is eliminated, and an insertion of the endoscope also becomes easy.

Abstract: A method for inserting an autonomous capsule into the G.I. tract includes use of an endoscope having a clamp and at least one retractable support for retaining the clamp. The capsule is engaged with the clamp and pushed to its desired position within the G.I. tract. The capsule is then disengaged by loosening the hold of the clamp on the capsule. The insertion of the capsule can be observed through an imaging unit placed within the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscopic pedicle probe for use during spinal surgery to form a hole in a pedicle for reception of a pedicle screw. The probe has an enlarged proximal end for cooperation with the hand of the surgeon so that the probe can be pushed through the pedicle in a controlled manner, and an elongate hollow shaft terminating in a distal tip end. A fiber optic cable or endoscope is placed in the hollow shaft and connected with a monitor to enable the surgeon to visually observe the structure adjacent the tip end of the probe during surgery, whereby the probe may be accurately placed in the pedicle for subsequent accurate placement of the pedicle screw in the hole formed with the probe.

Abstract: An endoscope has a head and an outer tube joined to it. Received in the outer tube is an inner tube in which optical components are received. Light guides are guided in the interstice between the interior space and outer tube. A closure element made of transparent material, which closes off the distal end of the outer tube in hermetically sealed fashion, is provided. The closure element has a window in the region of the inner tube. The window is surrounded by an opaque layer that shields the window radially from the entry of illumination light.

Abstract: A hard distal component formed at the distal part of an inserting section and a leading bending piece included in a bending section are joined using a substantially cylindrical hard joint pipe. Build-in components including an imaging device that is a CCD are placed in the joint pipe. An adhesive is poured into the surroundings of the built-in components in the joint pipe, whereby the built-in components are locked. Thus, the structure of the distal component is simplified and the surroundings thereof are made thinner.

Abstract: A substrate having a plurality of light emitting diodes united therewith lies on a plane containing the longitudinal axis of an insertion unit of an endoscope and its neighborhood. Likewise, part of a first objective surface lies on the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the insertion unit of the endoscope and its neighborhood. As long as the diameter of the insertion unit remains unchanged, the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the insertion unit of the endoscope and its neighborhood provides the largest area for the light emitting diodes. The light emitting diode sub-assembly is therefore placed on the plane, whereby the outer diameter of a distal endoscope part can be made as small as possible.

Abstract: A substrate having a plurality of light emitting diodes united therewith lies on a plane containing the longitudinal axis of an insertion unit of an endoscope. Likewise, part of a first objective surface lies on the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the insertion unit of the endoscope. As long as the diameter of the insertion unit remains unchanged, the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the insertion unit of the endoscope provides the largest area for the light emitting diodes. The light emitting diode sub-assembly is therefore placed on this plane, so that the outer diameter of a distal endoscope part can be made as small as possible.

Abstract: An imaging system for performing forward scanning imaging for application to therapeutic and diagnostic devises used in medical procedures. The imaging system includes forward directed optical coherence tomography (OCT), and non-retroreflected forward scanning OCT. Also interferometric imaging and ranging techniques and fluorescent, Raman, two-photon, and diffuse wave imaging can be used. The forward scanning mechanisms include a cam attached to a motor, pneumatic devices, a pivoting device, piezoelectric transducers, electrostatic driven slides for substantially transverse scanning; counter-rotating prisms, and offset lenses are used for arbitrary scanning. The imaging system of the invention is applied to hand held probes including probes integrated with surgical probes, scalpels, scissors, forceps and biopsy instruments. Hand held probes include forward scanning lasers.

Abstract: A medical instrument for endoscopic removal of the saphenous vein has an elongated shaft which hat at the distal end a spatula tip and in whose proximal region is arranged a laterally projecting handle. The instrument further has an endoscopic optical system which has an eyepiece cup that is arranged at the proximal end of the instrument. The handle is joined to the shaft in such a way that an outer side of the instrument facing away from the handle continuously has a surface that, from the distal to the proximal end, is free of projections. The eyepiece cup is arranged in oblique orientation with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the shaft and encloses with the handle, with respect to the longitudinal center axis, an angle of less than 90°.

Abstract: An endoscope is described, in which a shaft is included with inner and outer sheath pipes (1, 2) multiple illumination units (10) with LED's (25) provided for producing illumination light cascade-like, axially sequentially. The illumination units (10) consist of light transmissive carriers, upon which the LED's (25) are bonded. The light produced by the sequentially arranged illumination units (10) is emitted at the distal end with a high intensity of illumination, preferably after reflection from a mirror (11) provided at the proximal end.

Abstract: An insertion instrument for an endoscope is disclosed which comprises, a hard end portion formed at least an illuminating means having an illumination lens provided in a lens barrel and light guide, and an observing means at least an objective optical system disposed within an objective lens barrel, the hard end portion being divided into a holding member and a cover member detachably fitted to said holding member, concave shaped recesses provided therebetween for inserting at least the illuminating lens barrel and the objective lens barrel from outer periphery of the holding member inwardly in the radial direction, wherein said recesses have a arc shaped portions to substantially coincide with outer diameters of the illuminating lens barrel and said objective lens barrel, and detachable positioning means provided for positioning the illuminating lens barrel and the objective lens barrel in the recesses in the axial direction.

Abstract: A video endoscope includes a generally rigid; elongate insertion member having distal and proximal ends, and a video camera head fixed at the distal end of the insertion member. A sheath fits over and covers the insertion member, the sheath having a distal portion covering the video camera head, at least a section of which distal portion is substantially transparent. The distal portion of the sheath further including a narrowed tip comprising two or more leaves which are closed during insertion through the anus and open apart after insertion to expose the transparent section of the distal portion of the sheath.

Abstract: An endoscope having an objective lens drive mechanism for an optical objective lens system, which is incorporated into a rigid tip end section of an elongated insertion instrument of the endoscope and provided with at least two movable lens groups which are movable in the direction of optical axis of the objective lens system. Ring members are connected to movable lens frames which support the respective movable lens groups. A cam pin is projected radially on the inner periphery of each ring member, while a cam shaft which is formed with a plural number of cam grooves on its circumferential surface is located in parallel relation with the optical objective lens system. The members are fitted on the cam shaft with the respective cam pins in engagement with the cam grooves. The cam shaft is rotated in forward and reverse directions by a drive means.

Abstract: An endoscope with an objective lens drive mechanism for an objective lens system. The insertion instrument of the endoscope is provided with an angle section on the proximal side of the rigid tip end section for flexibly bending at least in upward and downward directions. Provided on an end face of a casing of a rigid tip end section of the insertion instrument are at least a illumination window, an observation window and an exit opening of a biopsy channel. An objective lens system includes a fixed lens mounted on a fixed lens frame, and at least a movable lens mounted on a movable lens frame. For rationally laying out internal components, the interior of the casing of the rigid tip end section is divided into right and left subsections along a center line of upward and downward flexures of the angle section. The observation window is located across the center line of upward and downward flexures to occupy part of both of the right and left subsections.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a first portion with an axis approximately parallel to the axis of the cannula and a second portion with an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle is located at the distal end of the second portion of the retractor, and may include two substantially parallel, spaced legs with the retractor shaped in a loop between and in a plane skewed relative to the axes of the legs, and with the loop directed away from the surgical tool. Thus, in operation, when the surgeon locates a vessel and side branch of interest, the surgeon extends the retractor to cradle the vessel in the dissection cradle. Once cradled, the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate the side branch for exposure to the surgical tool.

Abstract: A penetrating endoscope provides visualization of organ or tissue structures or foreign objects in a body. The penetrating endoscope includes an elongate penetrating member, a complementary metal dioxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor and an objective lens. The CMOS image sensor is substantially planar and includes a plurality of pixels with a pixel signal processing circuit for generating a color image ready signal. The CMOS image sensor converts image light energy into electrical color image ready signal energy for transmission out of the body. The color image ready signal is viewed on a color image display. The CMOS image sensor is carried on the elongate penetrating member adjacent a distal end of the elongate penetrating member. The objective lens is also carried on the distal end of the elongate penetrating member on an optical axis and focuses an image corresponding to an endoscope field of view at an image plane intersecting the optical axis.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device for intracorporal, minimal-invasive treatment of a patient, comprising a working instrument that can be introduced into a body cavity of the patient for carrying out a treatment step, wherein a distal end of the introduced working instrument defines an intracorporal working area, and at least one image pick-up unit for picking up an image of the intracorporal working area, further comprising positioning means for orienting an optical axis of the image pick-up unit in dependency on a spatial position of the intracorporal working area, wherein the positioning means comprise a guide shaft, in which the working instrument is guided, and wherein the image pick-up unit is pivotably fixed at an intracorporal portion of the guide shaft.

Abstract: In an endoscope tip part in which a lens barrel is arranged and fixed to a mounting hole of a support body of the endoscope tip part and to this lens barrel, and an optical member such as an optical filter or a prism is connected by an optical part holding fixture, a part of an endoscope outer peripheral side of the optical part holding fixture is cut off, and to this notch part, the mounting hole is extended out like an extending part, and a step part on an outside of this support member is made deep (diameter is reduced). If an end part of an outer skin is bound with a string on this step part with a small diameter and fixed by adhesives, a swell of an outer skin fixing part is eliminated, and an insertion of the endoscope also becomes easy.

Abstract: A variable-view arthroscope or like instrument (endoscope, etc.) includes an elongated housing tube extending from an outer control end to an inner image input end that is closed by an input lens or window. A lighting apparatus illuminates a surgical working area beyond the image end of the housing tube. A first mirror intercepts light reflected from the surgical working area to produce a working image that is reflected to a second mirror that in turn reflects the working image to impinge upon the input end of a relay lens assembly. The working image is transmitted to a receptor, which is located near the outer (control) end of the housing tube. The relay lens applies the image to an image device, such as a conventional CCD unit, that transmits the image to a location exterior to the scope. A control varies the position of one or both of the mirrors between first and second limits.

Abstract: The insertion part of the endoscope has a cap fixed to the distal end face of a distal end body. A projecting part of the cap is inserted in a receiving hole formed on the distal end face. The inserted projecting part is fixed to the distal end body with a screw inserted in an attachment hole, which is formed on the periphery of the distal end body and connects with the receiving hole. Bending rubber covers the attachment hole as well as the outer periphery of the distal end body.

Abstract: An endoscope for insertion into a patient's inner body cavity has a shell with lumens for (1) illuminating a lens and (2) passing light from an imaging (or objective) lens, each lens being disposed on the distal face of the shell. The shell also has a lumen, preferably off-round, for receiving a resilient disposable core. The resilient core has passageways for introducing a pressurized fluid (e.g. air or water) to selective ones of the lenses to clean the lenses. The core may also have another passageway for removing material from the patient's inner body cavity for analysis. This passageway may communicate with two (2) conduits for removing specimens from the body cavity (1) as by a vacuum or (2) as by an instrument. The second conduit may be closed except when the instrument is to be inserted into a patient's inner body cavity. The core may be drawn through the shell lumen to position the core in the lumen.