Abstract: An anchored guide wire is described including at least one expansion apparatus having an outer surface for contacting surrounding tissue, an elongated guide wire with at least one lumen for supplying fluid to the expansion apparatus, and a pump that supplies fluid to the lumen to inflate the expansion apparatus, wherein the outer surface of the expansion apparatus has a textured surface for preventing slippage on surrounding tissue. A method of securing a guide wire in a bodily cavity is also described including inserting an elongated guide wire with an expansion apparatus having a textured outer surface and a lumen for supplying fluid to the expansion apparatus, into the bodily cavity, supplying fluid to the lumen with a pump until the expansion apparatus is inflated, moving a medical device along the elongated guide wire, deflating the expansion apparatus, and withdrawing the guide wire from the bodily cavity.

Abstract: A connectorized ultrasound probe includes a distal section that is configured for insertion into a patient's body and a proximal section configured to interface the distal section with an ultrasound system. The distal section is easily attachable and detachable from the proximal section using at least one set of connectors. When connected, a user-operated actuator located on the proximal section controls the bending of the distal section, and the ultrasound system sends driving signals to and receives return signals from the ultrasound transducer via the proximal section. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for long term monitoring, because the disconnectability of the proximal section makes it possible to leave the distal section in place in the patient for longer periods of time without undue discomfort.

Abstract: An ingestible device, adapted to travel in the gastrointestinal tract and perform a diagnostic image of tissue therein, is provided. The diagnostic image may comprise diagnostic information as a function of time, or diagnostic information as a function of distance traveled within the gastrointestinal tract. Specifically, the ingestible device may be arranged to perform a diagnostic image of nuclear radiation of a radiophamaceutical, scintillation of a scintillation liquid, responsive to nuclear radiation of a radiophamaceutical, optical fluorescence of a fluorescing-pharmaceutical or of bare gastrointestinal-tract tissue, infrared radiation of the gastrointestinal-tract tissue, temperature-differences along the gastrointestinal-tract, impedance, ultrasound reflection, magnetic resonance, and a combination thereof. The ingestible device may be adapted for general screening of a large population, on the one hand, and for specific diagnoses of suspected pathologies, on the other.

Abstract: The instrument for an endoscope is an instrument for an endoscope is able to move reciprocally in the channel of the endoscope along a guide wire, and includes: a sheath portion having a guide lumen into which the guide wire is inserted and another lumen disposed along the guide lumen. The proximal end of the sheath portion is bifurcated into the first sheath portion having the guide lumen and the second sheath portion having the other lumen.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide devices and associated methods for use when performing endoscopic procedures. According to one aspect, a sheath positionable within a working channel of an endoscopic device, and adapted for receiving one or more instruments, is provided. The sheath can include a first channel and a second channel, the first channel and the second channel extending at least partially along a length of the sheath, wherein at least one of the first channel or the second channel includes an open edge open along at least part of the length of the respective channel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a visualization system including a small gauge vision catheter that is designed to be standalone or received within an instrument channel of a larger endoscope. The vision catheter has imaging means disposable within an imaging channel, a working channel, and an electromagnetic sensor element insertable into the working channel of the catheter to provide position tracking. The working channel of the catheter also provides access for therapeutic and diagnostic tools.

Abstract: An endoscope accessory, used with an endoscope including a suction conduit communicating with a suction device, an accessory insertion channel, and an operation portion at which entrances of the conduit and channel are formed, includes a tubular insertion unit to be inserted into the channel through the entrance of the channel and to be movable along the channel, and a tubular connection unit provided at a proximal end of the insertion unit and detachably connected to the entrance of the suction conduit. An endoscope system is constituted by combining the accessory with the endoscope. In a method for mounting the accessory onto the endoscope, the insertion unit of the accessory is inserted into the channel through its entrance in the operation portion of the endoscope to be movable along the channel, and the connection unit of the accessory is detachably connected to the entrance of the conduit.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope comprises an insertion portion including: an angle portion; a hard distal portion; an endoscopic observation unit comprising a lighting portion and an observation portion; and an ultrasonic test unit comprising an ultrasonic transducer constituting an ultrasonic test unit, wherein the hard distal portion includes: a distal end main body including an entire portion whereat the ultrasonic transducer is attached; an observation portion block that includes a portion whereat the observation portion is attached and that is separably coupled with the distal end main body; and an elevator block that is securely held between the distal end main body and the observation portion block by engaging the distal end main body and the observation portion block, and that comprises the elevator, and wherein the distal end main body, the observation portion block and the elevator block are assembled so as to be capable of being disassembled.

Abstract: An endoscope tool coupling that facilitates the placement and positioning of a surgical tool within an endoscope. The tool coupling may be configured to accommodate differences in lengths between the surgical tool and the endoscope, which may allow a user to precisely position and maintain the distal end of a surgical tool in a desired location relative to the distal end of the endoscope despite differences and variations in lengths. The tool coupling may have an adjustable configuration to accommodate variations in tool and/or endoscope lengths. The tool coupling employ an arrangement that allows a user to easily increase or decrease the length of the coupling, such as by using a telescoping arrangement. A locking arrangement or mechanism may be provided to secure the coupling in a selected configuration for maintaining the surgical tool in a desired location relative to the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a first endoscope that includes a first distal end portion, a first observation window provided at the first distal end portion, a first objective optical system optically coupled to the first observation window and having a first viewing angle, and a first treatment instrument channel opening positioned at a first distance away from the first observation window; and a second endoscope that includes a second distal end portion, a second observation window provided at the second distal end portion, a second objective optical system optically coupled to the second observation window and having a second viewing angle wider than the first viewing angle, and a second treatment instrument channel opening positioned at a second distance longer than the first distance.

Abstract: The endoscope applicator according to the present invention allows lubricant to be supplied uniformly to the entire inner surface of the endoscope applicator without increasing the diameter of the endoscope applicator because the lubricant supply path is laid on the outer surface of the endoscope applicator extending from the base end portion to the tip portion of the endoscope applicator and a plurality of openings are formed in the lubricant supply path and endoscope applicator at predetermined intervals in such a way that their opening areas of the opening increase from the base end portion to the tip portion. Moreover, the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention can improve the maneuverability of the insert portion and applicator during pull-in operation. Furthermore, the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention makes it possible to determine pull-out force quantitatively.

Abstract: A positioning clip to position an inner tube in an outer tube of an endoscope includes at least one inner support surface to support the positioning clip on the inner tube, at least one outer support surface to support the positioning clip on the outer tube, and a clamping device to clamp the positioning clip on the inner tube or on the outer tube.

Abstract: An aim of the invention is to provide a safe, quick and cheap reuse of an endoscopic tube, simplification of its construction; the technical task is creation of an endoscope with an endoscopic tube without cavities which require complicated washing. The endoscope comprises: an endoscopic tube, comprising an instrumental channel with a lateral output directed on an objective lens and with a diameter of a direct output close to the diameter of the distal part of instrument, an external tubular element in a shape of a tube, where one end is bifurcated and adjusted for connection with an instrumental channel and for introduction of instrument, and the other end is branched and adjusted for connection with pressure sources, valves which squeeze the lumens of branches, but at switching on—release them.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion portion; a channel member that has one opening at a distal portion of the insertion portion and other opening at a portion other than the distal portion; an exterior member opening that communicatively connects an interior of the endoscope to outside; and a filter that is provided at the exterior member opening to prevent at least one of intrusion of dust into the interior and leakage of a lubricant agent stored in the endoscope out of the endoscope.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises an endoscope comprising a first distal end portion, and a tube comprising a second distal end portion, wherein the endoscope and the tube are in a side-by-side relationship and are coupled at distal end portions of the endoscope and the tube using a single coupling device.

Abstract: An endoscope according to the present invention includes an endoscope main body, in which a channel having at least one end communicated with the outside is inserted and which is covered with an exterior member, and a communicating hole which is arranged in the halfway of the channel and which introduces vapor in the channel so as to sterilize the channel with the vapor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope having a shaft in which at least one working channel is positioned and having on the distal end of the shaft an endoscope head, such that the part of the working channel contained in the endoscope head can be rotated with respect to the related working channel by a Bowden cable that is mounted on a control handle on the proximal end by a collet. To configure an endoscope in such a manner that it ensures simple construction as well as a constantly even tension of the Bowden cable, it is proposed with the invention that the depth of insertion of a cable cord of the Bowden cable into the collet can be limited by a pressure element acting on the cable cord and collet.

Abstract: An endoscopic flow-passage confluent structure that connects a gas-feed tube and a liquid-feed tube provided in an endoscope to a confluent tube communicating with an ejection nozzle arranged at a tip of an insertion portion of the endoscope and for ejecting a cleaning fluid toward a viewing window of the endoscope, the structure comprising: (i) a passage connection member having one end opened with two upstream-passage receiving bores in which the gas-feed and liquid-feed tubes are respectively inserted and fixed, other end opened with one downstream-passage receiving bore, and an intermediate region that communicates the upstream-passage receiving bores with downstream-passage receiving bore and comprises a passage confluent space having a diameter increasing in a taper-form in a direction of from the downstream-passage receiving bore toward the upstream-passage receiving bores; and (ii) a coupler pipe having one end connected to the downstream-passage receiving bore and other end connected with a base of t

Abstract: A guide system for use with an endoscope, and a method of use is disclosed. The guide system can include a track, in the form of a rail, and a mating member for engaging the rail. The guide system can also include an accessory, such as an accessory guide tube through which a medical instrument can be carried external of the endoscope. An end cap can be provided to support the track relative to the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: Apparatus for searching for and detecting defects on parts that are substantially inaccessible, being located behind a wall, the apparatus comprising a first endoscope for illumination in visible light and for observation, the first endoscope and pipes for feeding and spraying penetration test substances being housed together in a rod which can be passed through an orifice in the wall in order to examine a part, the apparatus further comprising a second endoscope independent of the first endoscope and the rod for illuminating in ultraviolet light and for observing the portion of the part that has been treated by the penetration test substances.

Abstract: An endoscopic accessory medical device is provided. The device can include a handle, a flexible shaft, and an end effector. The handle can include an actuator for operating the end effector through a wire or cable pulling member that extends through the flexible shaft. The handle and actuator can be operable with a single hand, such that the operation of the end effector can be accomplished with the same hand that is used to hold the handle and advance the end effector through an endoscope. The handle can include an actuation mechanism that is decoupled from operation of the end effector when the actuator is in a first open position, which becomes operatively coupled to the end effector when the actuator is moved to a second position, such as by squeezing the actuator, and which operates the end effector when the actuator is moved further to a third position.

Abstract: An endoscopic therapeutic instrument has a therapeutic section, a flexible transmission member which transmits operating driving forces to the therapeutic section by moving forwardly and reversely, and a sheath section in which the transmission member can move forwardly and reversely. A proximal side of this transmission member is connected to an operating tube section, and the therapeutic section is driven by forward and backward movements of the operating tube section. An endoscope having a channel into which the endoscopic therapeutic instrument is insertable, contains a mechanism for driving the sheath section and a mechanism for driving the operating tube section. The endoscope controls these mechanisms to cooperate with each other in controlling the endoscopic therapeutic instrument operations.

Abstract: A catheter including a tube having at least one lumen, at least one elongate element, the at least one elongate element having a bendable portion at a predetermined bendable portion location therealong forward of a distal end of the tube and at least one selectably inflatable balloon communicating with at least one of the at least one lumen, the at least one selectably inflatable balloon having a forward end and a rearward end, the rearward end of the balloon being located rearwardly of the predetermined bendable portion location.

Abstract: An endoscope of an endoscope system includes a channel of which a distal end forms a distal opening at a distal end of an insertion portion, of which a proximal end forms a proximal opening at an operating portion, and used for at least suction, and a suction duct of which a distal end forms a suction opening at the operating portion and of which a proximal end is connected to a suction device. An endoscopic accessory includes a capture portion to be connected to an accessory insertion portion and detachably attached to the operating portion of the endoscope, and the capture portion includes a communication path to communicate the proximal opening with the suction opening when the capture portion is attached to the endoscope, and a capture unit interposed in the communication path and to capture the tissue being sucked from the channel into the suction duct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoscope, in particular an ureterorenoscope. The endoscope comprises a lumen for insertion of a light and energy transmitting fiber. According to the invention during insertion of the fiber into a working channel of the endoscope the sharp edges of the fiber are protected by a flexible sleeve in order to avoid damages of a wall limiting the working channel. Prior to using the fiber for transmitting energy emitted by a laser the flexible sleeve is completely removed from the working channel in order to free a lumen that might be used for additional instruments or delivery of a fluid. Furthermore the stiffness of the endoscope is reduced by removing the flexible sleeve.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to lung access devices and methods of using the devices to gain access to the interior of a lung or to the mediastinal space around the lung. In particular, the invention relates to auxiliary access devices and tools for use with conventional bronchoscopes or other endoscopes to enable the delivery of more and larger devices to a target site than is currently possible through a typical endoscope or bronchoscope.

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

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

Abstract: An otoscope 800 includes a lens 802 and an eyepiece 801 by which a doctor can examine the external ear cavity of a patient. The otoscope includes a handle 803 within which there is situated a printer to provide an instantaneous permanent record of an image viewed by the doctor. Upon activation of a trigger 817, a permanent graphic image is printed onto a sheet 816 that passes out of the handle 803 via slot 804.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument has an insertion portion to be inserted in a channel of an endoscope, a treatment portion provided at a tip of the insertion portion for treating an objective part and a manipulation portion provided close to a proximal end of the insertion portion. The operator can move the insertion portion forward and backward at least relative to the channel by operating the manipulation portion in a state the endoscopic surgical instrument is inserted in the channel of the endoscope. In this manner, by the manipulation portion, the endoscopic surgical instrument can be operated to move forward and backward relative to the channel. Therefore in case the manipulation portion is located close to a channel entrance (forceps port) of the endoscope, the operator of the endoscope is able to manipulate the endoscopic surgical instrument without assistance from others.

Abstract: A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy-jejunostomy (G-J) tube apparatus has a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy-jejunostomy (PEG-J) tube unit and a jejunostomy (J-tube). The PEG-J tube unit includes two interconnected tubes extending in a side-by-side orientation with respect to each other and a posterior bumper encompassing both of the interconnected tubes adjacent a first end portion thereof. Each one of the interconnected tubes includes a passage extending therethrough between opposing end faces thereof. A first one of the interconnected tubes is configured for functioning as a gastrostomy tube (G-tube) and a second one of the interconnected tubes is configured for functioning as a jejunostomy tube (J-tube) introducer. The J-tube is slideably inserted into a passage of the J-tube introducer. The J-tube includes a plug portion integral therewith and disposed within the passage of the J-tube introducer for providing a fluid-resistant seal between the J-tube and the J-tube introducer.

Abstract: A medical device includes a communication member including a first opening portion, a second opening portion, and a communication conduit for communication between the first opening portion and the second opening portion, a closing portion capable of liquid-tightly closing the communication conduit, and a maintaining member capable of maintaining the closing portion in a closed state.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to lung access devices and methods of using the devices to gain access to the interior of a lung or to the mediastinal space around the lung. In particular, the invention relates to auxiliary access devices and tools for use with conventional bronchoscopes or other endoscopes to enable the delivery of more and larger devices to a target site than is currently possible through a typical endoscope or bronchoscope.

Abstract: A forceps channel tube is composed of a tube body, a reinforcing tape and a protective layer. The reinforcing tape includes a reinforcement layer and an adhesive layer. The reinforcement layer has a plurality of strip-shaped high and low rigidity portions arranged alternately. The reinforcing tape is wrapped around an outer surface of the tube body in a manner that each of the high and low rigidity portions encircles the tube body along the circumferential direction, and fixed thereto by the adhesive layer. The reinforcing tape provides the tube body with rigidity anisotropy that increases a first rigidity against force in a radial direction of the tube body to exceed a second rigidity against bending force.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting fluorescence emitted by molecular constituents in a wall of a body lumen include introducing an autonomous solid support into the body lumen. Cells in a lumen wall of the body lumen are illuminated by a light source mounted to the solid support with a wavelength that excites a particular fluorescent signal. A detector mounted to the solid support detects whether illuminated cells emit the particular fluorescent signal. If the particular fluorescent signal is detected from the illuminated cells, then intensity or position in the lumen wall of the detected fluorescent signal, or both, is determined. These techniques allow the information collected by the capsule to support diagnosis and therapy of GI cancer and other intestinal pathologies and syndromes. For example, these techniques allow diagnostic imaging using endogenous and exogenous fluoroprobes, treating diseased sites by targeted release of drug with or without photoactivation, and determining therapeutic efficacy.

Abstract: Apparatus for searching for and detecting defects on parts that are substantially inaccessible, being located behind a wall, the apparatus comprising a first endoscope for illumination in visible light and for observation, the first endoscope and pipes for feeding and spraying penetration test substances being housed together in a rod which can be passed through an orifice in the wall in order to examine a part, the apparatus further comprising a second endoscope independent of the first endoscope and the rod for illuminating in ultraviolet light and for observing the portion of the part that has been treated by the penetration test substances.

Abstract: An endoscopic fluid supply conduit system for use with an endoscope having an insertion tube and a universal cable connected to and from a manipulating head assembly. A fluid conduit is provided internally of the insertion tube to supply a fluid from a fluid feed port on the manipulating head assembly toward a fluid jet injection port feed port which is provided on a rigid tip end section at the fore distal end of the insertion tube. In addition, a second fluid conduit is provided internally of the universal cable and toward the manipulating head assembly. A fluid supply channel selector is provided at the fluid feed port to which a fluid feed adaptor is to be disconnectibly connected.

Abstract: A fiber-optic endoscopic instrument (Fistuloscope) is used to visualize anorectal fistula, and to accurately identify the course through the fistula. The instrument can be used to flush the fistula, to close the fistula tract by means of injecting sealants or placing grafts in the tract of the fistula or to pass setons, micro-instruments or other means to treat and seal the tract.

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

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device, and in particular for performing various surgical procedures using an instrument having an end effector that can be articulated relative to an elongate shaft of the device. A decoupling member can isolate the actuation of the end effector from the articulation of the end effector. In certain embodiments, the end effector can also optionally rotate relative to the elongate shaft of the device, and/or the shaft can rotate relative to a handle of the device.

Abstract: A medical device for examination or treatment based on a reference point, including: an image pickup section capable of picking up an image of a bronchus in a patient; a VBS image generation section configured to generate a virtual endoscopic image of bronchus in a patient from a plurality of different line-of-sight positions based on three-dimensional image data of the patient that is obtained in advance; an image retrieval section configured to retrieve a virtual endoscopic image highly similar to the endoscopic image of the bronchus picked up by the image pickup section; and a reference-point setting section configured to set a predetermined position near the image pickup section as a reference point based on the line-of-sight positions of the highly similar virtual endoscopic image.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method useful for positioning one or more members within the gastro-intestinal tract is disclosed. The medical apparatus can include a track supported on a sheath sized to receive an endoscope, and a carrier slidable with respect to the track. A feeding tube accessory adapted to slidably engage the carrier is disclosed.

Abstract: A guide system for use with an endoscope, and a method of use is disclosed. The guide system can include a track, in the form of a rail, and a mating member for engaging the rail. The guide system can also include an accessory, such as an accessory guide tube through which a medical instrument can be carried external of the endoscope. An end cap can be provided to support the track relative to the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: An adaptor, a system and a method to orient an elongate medical device in relation to an endoscope are provided. The adaptor includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a connecting portion to rotationally securable to a distal end of the first portion to the endoscope, a first lumen extending longitudinally through the first portion and operably connectable to a working channel of the endoscope, and one of an orienting key or a keyway extending longitudinally at least partially along the first portion. The second portion is releasably connectable to the first portion and includes the other of the key or the keyway extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the second portion and a second lumen operably connectable to the first lumen and configured to receive an elongate medical device rotationally secured in relation to the second portion therethrough.

Abstract: In an endoscopic treatment instrument having a plurality of sheaths, a supporting member for directly and indirectly supporting the plurality of sheaths, and a connecting member for directly/indirectly bringing the sheaths and an endoscope in a connected state are provided. The supporting member constrains a relative position of the plurality of sheaths and the connecting member can change the connecting state. Therefore, when an operator changes the connecting state of the connecting member, the positional relation of the endoscope and the plurality of sheaths can be changed, while the positional relation of the plurality of sheaths is still constrained. Accordingly, for example, left and right sheaths can be easily exchanged.

Abstract: A laryngoscope and flexible viewing device having means to carry an endotracheal tube into a patient and method of using the device are provided. The device allows a single user to view the interior of a patient's anatomy and change the view to better determine the path for intubation. The device can be used by a single individual to simultaneously open the pathway to a patient's trachea and then deliver an intubation device, such as an endotracheal tube, without the assistance of another person. The device provides several options for the practitioner to both visualize the patient's larynx and deliver an endotracheal tube into the trachea, especially in patients considered to have difficult anatomy to intubate. The viewing device in a preferred embodiment is a fiberoptic scope and the device includes a pivoting means to allow the viewing means to provide a more panoramic view of the patient's throat area.

Abstract: Apparatuses of the type broadly applicable to numerous medical applications in which it is desirable to insert one or more steerable or non-steerable catheters or similar devices into a working channel of an associated device, such as an endoscope, catheter, etc., or passageway of a patient, are disclosed. The apparatuses may include catheters having a dedicated guide wire channel and one or more of the following: viewing capabilities, a working channel, and auxiliary channels, such as insufflation/irrigation channels. The catheters may include a guide wire channel that is configured to provide the catheter or other device with rapid exchange capabilities.

Abstract: An edge portion of an endoscope inserting portion includes an observation optical system, a first treatment-tool oscillating base which guides, in a first direction, a first treatment tool guided via a first channel for inserting the treatment tool, and a second treatment-tool oscillating base which guides, in a second direction, a second treatment tool guided via a second channel for inserting the treatment tool. Upon endoscope treatment for the lesion portion using the first and second treatment tools which are projected from the edge openings of two first and second channels for inserting the treatment tool and which are guided by the two first and second treatment-tool oscillating bases, one of the first and second treatment tools is moved to the outside of a field of view of an endoscope image as needed.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscopic system. The system comprises a flexible endoscope insertable into a first tubular organ from a natural opening of a human body. The system further comprises an opening member which forms on a wall part of the first tubular organ an opening used to insert the endoscope into an abdominal cavity from the first tubular organ in the body, an anastomosing member which is able to anastomoses the first tubular organ with a second tubular organ in the abdominal cavity, and a cutting member with which the second tubular organ is able to be cut.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope is disclosed that includes a capsule and a transparent cover having a central axis and that is located in front of an objective optical system within the capsule. The objective optical system has a depth of field, a field of view, and an image surface that has curvature of field, and is arranged on the central axis of the transparent cover and the capsule. The field of view of the objective optical system includes a spherical surface that is tangent to the transparent cover at a periphery of the field of view, and the near point of the depth of field on the optical axis of the objective optical system is positioned farther from the objective optical system than is the transparent cover. Various conditions are satisfied so as to provide high quality imaging.