Abstract: A distal end unit of an endoscope includes: a distal end frame body that is constituted by a resin molded article configuring a molded interconnect device, that is provided with an image pickup unit containing room, and that is provided with an observation opening portion that opens the image pickup unit containing room on a distal end surface exposed to an exterior; a metal layer that is provided along a flat surface of the observation opening portion; a cover glass that closes the observation opening portion; a solder layer that is bonded to the metal layer and that holds the cover glass on the distal end frame body; and an adhesive layer that covers the solder layer, the metal layer is provided at a position corresponding to a groove provided on the flat surface, and the solder layer is disposed in an interior of the groove.

Abstract: A variable stiffness actuator includes a shape-memory member, and a heater configured to receive power to heat the shape-memory member so as to cause the shape-memory member to change from a first phase as a low stiffness state to a second phase as a high stiffness state showing a higher stiffness than the low stiffness state. The actuator also includes a first conductive wire having one end connected to the heater and constituting a part of a power supply line for the heater, and a second conductive wire having one end connected to the other end of the first conductive wire, thicker than the first conductive wire, and having an electrical resistance per unit length lower than that of the first conductive wire.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an image pick-up-device at a distal-end-part of an insertion-part. The image pick-up-device includes a lens barrel holding an imaging lens; an image-sensor having a rectangular shape as an outer peripheral shape of an image reception surface on which imaging light incident via the imaging lens; and a sensor holder holding the image-sensor in a state where the image reception surface intersects a longitudinal direction of the insertion-part. The sensor holder has three independent wall-parts respectively covering three side surfaces of the image-sensor, and on an XY plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the insertion-part, a gap length, in an X-axis direction on the plane between adjacent wall-parts of the three wall-parts and a gap length, in Y-axis direction, between the adjacent wall-parts are equal to each other. Additionally, the height of each of the three wall-parts is 1.5 times to 3 times the gap length.

Abstract: A lens for a distal end of an optical channel of an endoscope shaft is provided, wherein the lens defines an outer side and an inner side as well as a circumferential surface connecting the two sides, wherein a light-absorbing coating is applied to the circumferential surface and an area of the inner side connected thereto, and wherein a solderable layer is applied to the light-absorbing coating in the area of the circumferential surface with the result that the lens can be soldered in the distal end such that the distal end is sealed.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a first subassembly, a second subassembly, a third subassembly, and a fourth subassembly, which are sequentially assembled and tested in making the endoscope. The first subassembly includes a pressure-sealed electrical cable connected to an image capture unit. The second subassembly includes the first subassembly, a shell, a light pipe, and a lid. The third subassembly includes the second subassembly, a central tube, and a flange. The fourth subassembly includes the third subassembly, a base, a shaft, and optionally an articulating assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a heat generating component, a heat sink, an elongate shaft extending from the heat generating component to the heat sink, and an elongate thermal conduit extending within the elongate shaft between the heat generating component and the heat sink. The surgical instrument also comprises a movable contact structure thermally coupled between the elongate thermal conduit and the heat generating component. The elongate thermal conduit extends into the movable contact structure and the movable contact structure is movable relative to the heat generating component.

Abstract: Video endoscope comprising a distal end with a video camera assembly and a lens assembly arranged along a longitudinal axis, the video camera assembly comprising a video module, a video module holder, a proximal bushing arranged on the video module holder, a metal shield enclosing the video module along the longitudinal axis, and a flexible video cable, wherein the video cable is connected to the video module, runs through the video module holder and the proximal bushing away from the video module and is in contact with the bushing, wherein the video module comprises a video imager and control circuitry, wherein the metal shield has on its outside a dielectric coating obtained by material treatment of the metal shield, and wherein a maximum cross section of the distal end is less than 0.75 cm2. Further, a video endoscopy system is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device for high-pressure, high-temperature steam sterilization of endoscopes includes pressure resistant fittings to attach a steam generator to the ports of an endoscope. The method and device allows for high-pressure, high-temperature steam to circulate throughout the endoscope, exposing various surfaces to steam for sterilization. The method and device also allows for high-pressure, high-temperature steam to circulate selectively through the channels of the endoscope, selectively sterilizing the channels and allowing for use of this method with current high-level disinfection methods. The method and device also allows for movement of the scope elevator channel during the sterilization process, allowing for steam to reach the crevices around the elevator and other moving parts of an endoscope.

Abstract: A deflectable device (100) comprising an elongate body (110) and a folded elongate member (120) is configured to change an orientation of the distal portion (114) of the elongate body (110) with respect to the proximal portion (112) of the elongate body (110) upon an electrical current flowing through the folded elongate member (120) causing a change of a length of the folded elongate member (120).

Abstract: A connection device for a deflectable medical device, such as a catheter, comprises an elongate planarity wire having a proximal end and a distal end, an elongate activation wire having a proximal end a distal end, a passage and an interface. The passage extends through the planarity wire near the distal end of the planarity wire. The distal end of the activation wire extends through the passage. The interface is between the passage and the activation wire, and may comprise one or more of the following: a hook and bore interface, a detent interface, a mechanical interface, or a metallurgical interface.

Abstract: A hermetic seal between an optical element and a metal mount or housing using a fluoropolymer. The fluoropolymer is dispersed along the interior edge of the metal mount. The metal mount and fluoropolymer are then heated to a temperature exceeding the melting point of the fluoropolymer. Once heated the optical element is pressed into the metal mount and allowed to cool. The metal mount, optical element and thickness of fluoropolymer are sized to provide an interference fit between the metal mount and optical element.

Abstract: An endoscope having a pipe connection structure includes a pipe of a corrosion-resistant alloy material and a piping block of a corrosion-resistant alloy material, the piping block having a pipe insertion hole. An end of the pipe is fitted in the pipe insertion hole, the pipe and the piping block are connected by welding by irradiating a laser beam on the entire circumference of an area where the end of the pipe is fitted in the pipe insertion hole in the piping block, and an axial length of the pipe inserted in the pipe insertion hole is in a range of 0.5 to 2 times a wall thickness of the pipe.

Abstract: An imaging module is capable of being used a two or more limited number of times. The imaging module includes: a CMOS imaging sensor; and a counter memory in which the number of use times is stored, the number of use times being the number of times the imaging sensor is used.

Abstract: Non-telecentric in image space optical objective dimensioned to operate as part of intravascular endoscope probe and including first and second groups of lens elements (separated by an aperture stop) each of which has negative optical power. The first group of lens elements includes a first meniscus lens with a positive dioptric power and a first optical doublet. The second group of lens elements includes a sequence of second and third optical doublets and a second meniscus lens that follows the third optical doublet. At least one of the first and second groups of lens elements includes an aspheric refractive surface, thereby reducing distortion down to under 0.25% for field angles up to at least 40 degrees.

Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor includes: a connector to which an endoscope is connected; a fluid supplying section that supplies fluid to the connector; an electromagnet arranged at the connector and including a magnetic material and a coil wound around the magnetic material; a current supplying section; a magnetic force switching portion configured to switch a strength of a magnetic force to at least one of a first strength and a second strength weaker than the first strength; and a control section configured to switch the strength of the magnetic force by controlling the magnetic force switching portion while driving the fluid supplying section.

Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor includes a fluid supply section configured to supply a fluid, a fluid supply conduit configured to communicate with the fluid supply section and include an opening open to the atmosphere, a first valve disposed in the fluid supply conduit, a second valve disposed closer to the opening side than the first valve of the fluid supply conduit, a processing tank in which an endoscope is disposed, a first connector and a second connector provided in the processing tank, a first conduit configured to connect a section between the first valve and the fluid supply section and the first connector, a second conduit configured to connect a section between the first valve and the second valve and the second connector, and a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of a section between the first valve and the fluid supply section in the fluid supply conduit.

Abstract: A valve unit is switchable to an open position at which an outside of an exterior portion and an inner cavity communicate with each other and a closed position at which a communication between the outside of the exterior portion and the inner cavity is blocked in an endoscope. In the endoscope, an electric power is supplied to a drive force generation section only when a connection portion of an universal cord is connected to a peripheral device, and the drive force generation section generates a drive force to drive the valve unit by a supply of the electric power. The valve unit moves from the closed position to the open position by the drive force generated by the drive force generation section.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided for the treatment of tissue, the instrument (3) including a shaft (14) and a tip portion including at least one electrode (16), located at the distal end of the shaft. A fluid impermeable sheath (25) covers at least a proportion of the shaft and extends to the tip portion where it terminates in a distal end portion (26). A metallic shroud (29) is provided, comprising an annular ring portion (30) and a rearwardly extending cylindrical portion (31). The ring portion (30) is connected to the tip portion, and the cylindrical portion (31) overlies the distal end portion (26) of the sheath (25) so as to prevent ingress of fluids at the distal end portion of the sheath.

Abstract: An image pickup unit for endoscope is configured such that a first lens frame and a second lens frame are fitted to each other with a first fitting area and bonded and fixed to each other with a first adhesive at a first frame fixing portion, the second lens frame and a holding frame are fitted to each other with a second fitting area and bonded and fixed to each other with a second adhesive at a second frame fixing portion, the first lens frame, the second lens frame, and the fixing frame are bonded and fixed together with the second adhesive, the second fitting area is larger than the first fitting area, and the second adhesive has a glass transition temperature lower than a glass transition temperature of the first adhesive.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a portable endoscope. The portable endoscope includes a case configured to enclose at least electrical components of the portable endoscope. The electrical components include a camera configured to capture video content within a body of a patient. The components include one or more lights at least partially encompassing the camera. The one or more lights are adapted to illuminate internal portions of the body of the patient. The components include a transceiver in electrical communication with the camera. The transceiver is configured to receive the video content from the camera and wirelessly transmit the video content to a computing or communications device. The components include a battery configured to provide electrical energy to the camera, the one or more lights, and the transceiver. Each of the electrical components are interchangeable within the case.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus for endoscopic treatment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an endoscopic insertion tube comprising an outer surface including an outer rail formed longitudinally thereon and extending along a portion of the insertion tube. The outer rail has a predetermined shape. The insertion tube comprises an inner channel formed therethrough. An endoscope apparatus for endoscopic treatment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an endoscopic insertion tube without a working channel and an outer surface including at least one outer rail formed longitudinally thereon and extending along a portion of the insertion tube. The outer rail has a first predetermined shape. At least one medical device includes an outer wall having at least one mounting unit formed thereon along a portion of the length of the outer wall. The mounting unit has a second predetermined shape cooperable with the first predetermined shape.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an objective optical section including a first barrel; an image pickup optical section including a solid image pickup device, an optical member forming an optical image through the objective optical section on an image pickup surface of the solid image pickup device, and a second barrel housing the optical member and the solid image pickup device, the second barrel fixed to the first barrel after positional adjustment in an axial direction relative to the first barrel; a holding member formed of material having a linear expansion coefficient lower than linear expansion coefficients of the first and second barrels, and fixed to outer surfaces of the first and second barrels; a first adhesive that bonds the first barrel and the second barrel; and a second adhesive having a bonding strength higher than that of the first adhesive, which bonds the holding member to the first and second barrels.

Abstract: The invention encompasses devices and methods used to keep the objective lens of a viewing or illuminating device, specifically an endoscope, free from obstructive fluid and dirt; specifically a device having a hollow body designed to fit over an endoscope, and a transparent lens cover film that is retained within the device and that is threaded in front of the objective lens of an endoscope, thereby maintaining a clear and unobstructed transparent window in front of the endoscope lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to an analysis method for determining a functional parameter of an organ of a human or animal individual by measuring the 13CO2 content in the air exhaled by the individual to which a substrate has been administered the reaction of which in the body of the individual enriches the air exhaled by the individual with 13CO2. The method is characterized by using a measuring device, the maximum reaction rate of the substrate in the body of the individual being determined via a change of the measured 13CO2 content in the air exhaled by the individual using zero-order enzyme kinetics. The invention also relates to an aqueous methacetin solution for use in said analysis method, the pH of the solution being greater 7.0. The invention also relates to a face mask (1) for use in the inventive method for separating the exhaled air from the air inhaled by an individual. Said face mask comprises a face mask body (2) and an air cushion (3) encircling the face mask body.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a lens, a lens frame that holds the lens, and a bonding member that water-tightly fixes the lens to the lens frame, the bonding member composed of Sn-alloy solder containing at least one of Zn, Sb, Al and In, having a melting point not higher than 200° C. and forming a chemical bond via oxygen, and the lens, the lens frame and the bonding member are provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion.

Abstract: An inner casing according to the present invention includes a hole which is a holding portion that is provided at the center of a base portion having a planar shape so as to protrude in a direction orthogonal to a principal surface of the base portion and hold a capsule endoscope and a plurality of step portions each protruding from a side surface of the hole and abutting on an area of an outer surface of a hemispheric dome portion, which is located inside an optical viewing angle of the capsule endoscope and which does not contribute to generation of an image captured by the capsule endoscope to realize alignment in a longitudinal direction of the capsule endoscope.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided assembling an analyte sensor with an analyte sensor insertion device, packaging the assembled analyte sensor and sensor insertion device in a substantially airtight seal, and irradiating the packaged assembled analyte sensor and sensor insertion device at a predetermined dose using one or more electron beam accelerators.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a distal end portion body 31 formed of a metal, a distal end portion cover 32 formed of an insulating resin to cover the distal end portion body 31, and a cover lens 25 disposed at a position at which the circumferential surface of the cover lens 25 is contactable with both the distal end portion body 31 and the distal end portion cover 32. In the above, the proximal end side of the circumferential surface of the cover lens 25 is bonded to the distal end portion body 31 by soldering along the circumferential direction. Meanwhile, the distal end side of the circumferential surface of the cover lens 25 is bonded to the distal end portion cover 32 by adhesion along the circumferential direction. Each of bonding surfaces of the cover lens 25 and the distal end portion body 31 is previously formed with a metal film for improving the flow of a liquid solder.

Abstract: An electrical device for performing a particular function includes a system circuit for performing the function, and a dedicated power supply for providing power to the circuit. Both the system circuit and the power supply are hermetically sealed within a housing. The device within the housing is intended to be sterilized using high temperature, reaching a sterilization temperature. According to the invention, the device includes a thermal switch which is electrically connected between the system circuit and the power supply. With the present invention, the electrical components of a device are automatically protected from thermal damage during sterilization.

Abstract: The device is suitable in particular for treating medical endoscopes. At least one treatment fluid is fed through a conduit system (3) to a channel attachment (4), to which a channel of the instrument to be treated can be attached. The conduit system has a fluid attachment (39), which can be connected to a source of treatment fluid. With the aid of a measuring device, the flow of the treatment fluid in the conduit system, and thus the permeability of the attached channel, can be measured. The measurement is effected with the aid of a measurement section (6) in which a flow sensor (7, 7?) is arranged. All the treatment steps are carried out via the conduit system and in particular also via the measurement section. In this way, the conduit system is subjected to the same process as the instrument to be treated, and a flow measurement can be carried out in each individual treatment step.

Abstract: A self-contained surgical, e.g., endoscope, system. The surgical, e.g., endoscope, system may include a sterilizable shaft having a light source and/or an image capture device mounted at the distal end of the shaft or connected to the distal end of the shaft by fiber optics. The light source is a light emitting diode or an array of light emitting diodes, and may have its own power source located at the distal end of the shaft. The shaft includes a working channel, an irrigation/aspiration channel, and an electric cable. The shaft is coupled at its proximal end to a control module having a video processor and an integrally-mounted display screen for displaying image data from the image capture device. The control module may also include an irrigation/aspiration system, a control unit, and a controller. The control module is coupled to a power module. The power module includes steering motors connected to steering cables in the shaft. In addition, the power module includes drive motors and a power source.

Abstract: The sterile cover system for sterilely covering a medical technical robot arm with a connecting element, having a receiving bore with an inner wall, for endoscopic devices, is provided with a sack-shaped drape for enclosing the connecting element. The drape comprises a film tube which is adapted to the receiving bore for covering the inner wall, and a guiding element which is removably attached to a first end of the film tube, adapted to the receiving bore and extends into the film tube in an initial state of the sterile cover system. The film tube can be inserted into and guided through the receiving bore by means of the guiding element such that a surface of the film tube, facing inward in an initial state of the sterile cover system, faces the inner wall of the receiving bore in a state in which the film tube is guided through the receiving bore.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning and sterilizing a bronchoscope. A caddy is provided for containing the bronchoscope prior to, during, and subsequent to cleaning and disinfection of the bronchoscope. The caddy may be used to transport the sterilized bronchoscope from the cleaning area to an operating suite, while maintaining the bronchoscope in a cleaned and disinfected state.

Abstract: A system for providing wireless remote control over one or more devices. Included in the system is at least one wireless button that can be placed at various locations and which communicates with at least one sensor when the wireless button and sensor are brought within close proximity to one another. According to one embodiment, a wireless button can only be activated when the button is located within an authorized activation area. In another embodiment, a wireless button can only be activated by an authorized user. In yet a further embodiment, a wireless button can only be activated by an authorized user when the button is located within an authorized activation area.

Abstract: This disinfection system for medical instruments of the type comprising a disinfection chamber adapted to implement a cycle for disinfecting instruments, is characterized in that each instrument is associated with a radiofrequency label containing identification information and in that the chamber is associated with radiofrequency means for acquiring identification information about the or each instrument when put in place and removed from the chamber at the start and end of a disinfection cycle, with means of acquiring information characterizing the disinfection cycle and with means for combining identification information about the or each instrument with information characterizing the disinfection cycle in order to generate traceability information on the disinfection of the or each instrument.

Abstract: An electrical device for performing a particular function includes a system circuit for performing the function, and a dedicated power supply for providing power to the circuit. Both the system circuit and the power supply are hermetically sealed within a housing. The device within the housing is intended to be sterilized using high temperature, reaching a sterilization temperature. According to the invention, the device includes a thermal switch which is electrically connected between the system circuit and the power supply. The thermal switch is switchable between an open position wherein the system circuit is electrically isolated from the power supply and receives no power therefrom and a closed position wherein the system circuit is electrically connected to the power supply and receives power therefrom. The thermal switch switches from its closed position to its open position in response to the temperature within the housing rising to a predetermined switch-open temperature value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing patient bloodstream infection by microorganisms during administration of various medications or fluids through IV lines. In particular, the invention reduces contamination of IV lines, connecters, stopcock valves, manifolds, ports, etc. by means of irradiation by violet and/or blue light. Each embodiment comprises a source of violet and/or blue light and an optical element optically coupled to that light source for shaping the radiation pattern of the light emitted by the light source. Preferably, a light-emitting diode or a laser diode that emits light in the desired wavelength can be used. The optical element, optically coupled to the light source, is embedded or installed in or attached to a component of an IV set, the emitted light being directed to a “point of entry” or any other stagnation point of an IV set.

Abstract: A videoscope preheater for preheating an endoscope includes: a support tube; an electrical heating layer uniformly coated on an outer surface of the support tube, one side of the electrical heating layer being connected with a power cable for connecting with an external power supply; and a capsule layer coated on an outer surface of the electrical heating layer for fixing and protecting the electrical heating layer and the power cable. The capsule layer is a thermally contractible capsule film, which is fitted around the electrical heating layer and then heated to contract for insulating the electrical heating layer and the support tube from ambient environment. In use, the endoscope is fitted into the support tube and the electrical heating layer is powered on to generate heat and uniformly heat the endoscope. The heating efficiency of the videoscope preheater is controllable by means of adjusting the current and voltage input.

Abstract: A distal end optical unit for an electronic endoscope includes a first supporting tube configured to support an image sensor therein, a second supporting tube, and a third supporting tube configured to support an objective optical system. The first supporting tube includes a first open end, a first sealed end that is hermetically sealed, and a metal-covered inner circumferential surface. The second supporting tube includes a second open end, a second sealed end that is hermetically sealed with a cover lens, and a metal-covered outer circumferential surface. The third supporting tube has an inner circumferential surface with a low reflectivity. The third supporting tube is fitted into the second supporting tube. The second open end of the second supporting tube is fitted into and hermetically joined to the first open end of the first supporting tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sterilization confirmation tester and a test pack which enables effective sterilization to be confirmed in a simple and sure manner by providing a simulation of the structure of an endoscope and so forth. The sterilization confirmation tester according to the present invention has a function of confirming effective sterilization treatment after sterilization performed by a sterilization apparatus. The sterilization confirmation tester includes a structure corresponding to at least one of the components which form the endoscope.

Abstract: A molded elastomer for an endoscope is provided, which includes a fluorine-containing elastomer and a filler. The filler includes thermal black in a content of 1 to 10 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the fluorine-containing elastomer, and plate alumina in a content of 2 to 10 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the fluorine-containing elastomer.

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: According to one exemplary embodiment, an endoscope apparatus includes: an insertion unit that is an object to be disinfected by boiling; an operation unit connected to the inertion part; a main unit connected to the operation unit; a first circuit board embedded in the main unit; a first electronic component electrically connected to the first circuit board via a first solder; a second circuit board embedded in at least any one of the insertion unit and the operation unit; a second electronic component electrically connected to the second circuit board via a second solder having higher stress resistance than that of the first solder; and a bonding member bonded to the second electronic component and the second circuit board, the bonding member having a glass transition point higher than that of the second circuit board.

Abstract: An endoscope having a hollow shaft for inserting an image guide, so that the distal end of the shaft is configured at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and the shaft is closed at the distal end by means of an end piece provided with a pass-through borehole for the image guide. To create an endoscope with an image transmission system of sufficient image size and image quality that can be autoclaved for cleaning purposes, it is proposed with the invention that the image guide should be positioned in the shaft in such a way that the bending radius of the image guide in the area of the bending of the shaft is greater than the bending radius of the shaft in the area of the bending.

Abstract: A rotatable operation device for an endoscope includes a fixed shaft projected outward from an operating portion, a cylindrical shaft projected from a rotatable operating member. The cylindrical shaft is rotatably fitted on the fixed shaft, and an end side surface of the cylindrical shaft contacts a fixed surface defined inside the operating portion. An internal space of the operating portion and an internal space of the rotatable operating member are airtight against outside. The rotatable operation device is configured to have an air passage which is formed in the cylindrical rotary shaft, a space at a fitted portion between the fixed shaft and the cylindrical rotary shaft communicating with the inside space of the operating portion through the air passage with the end side surface and the fixed surface remaining contacted.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided assembling an analyte sensor with an analyte sensor insertion device, packaging the assembled analyte sensor and sensor insertion device in a substantially airtight seal, and irradiating the packaged assembled analyte sensor and sensor insertion device at a predetermined dose using one or more electron beam accelerators.

Abstract: An endoscope which includes a flexible tube and a protective tube placed in the flexible tube, the protective tube containing a plurality of elongated built-in components including an optical fiber bundle, characterized in that a solid lubricant containing rice-bran ceramics is interposed at interstices between the optical fibers placed in the protective tube and between the protective tube and the flexible tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscope with a watertight and air-tight endoscope handle that in preferred embodiments contains in its interior a solid-state light source and a gas permeable and liquid impermeable sealed compartment holding a battery and an electronic circuit, where the sealed compartment is preferably transverse to the long axis of the endoscope handle, and, in certain embodiments, at least partially surrounded by a movable structure.

Abstract: Computer systems and software for controlling an endoscope integrity tester. The pressurization and humidity measurement and calculations, and the resulting determination of passage or failure is automated and controlled to eliminate concerns of human error in the detection process. Further, the computer system is capable of adapting its calculations to specific endoscopes and particular testing changes to further improve accuracy by being context-sensitive.

Abstract: An endoscope capable of being autoclaved in accordance with the present invention includes an insertion unit, an internal endoscope space, and contents. The insertion unit has a soft member, which is made of a soft polymeric material, as at least part of a casing thereof. The internal endoscope space includes the internal space of the insertion unit that is formed at a first sealing level at which the internal space is sealed in a watertight manner relative to an outside. The contents include at least one hermetically sealed unit composed of a plurality of airtight partition members and formed at a second sealing level higher than the first sealing level by joining the meeting portions of the airtight partition members using an airtight joining material. All or part of the airtight partition members is stowed in the internal endoscope space.