Abstract: Various embodiments comprise endoscopes (e.g., arthroscopes) for viewing inside a cavity of a body. The endoscopes may include at least one solid state emitter such as a light emitting diode (LED) located at the distal end of the endoscope. The endoscope may comprise a thermally conductive cradle attached to the distal end of the endoscope. The thermally conductive cradle may be configured to dissipate heat generated by the solid state emitter away from the distal end of the endoscope. The thermally conductive cradle may also be electrically conductive. Further, the thermally conductive cradle may also function as a support structure for a plurality of lenses.

Abstract: In a state in which a heat generator and a temperature sensor are disposed on a wiring board, a measurement wiring is disposed in a vicinity of the heat generator, or the temperature sensor is disposed in a vicinity of a heat-generation wiring. A suppressing portion is disposed in either a first heat transfer path extending from the heat generator to the measurement wiring or a second heat transfer path extending from the heat-generation wiring to the temperature sensor. The suppressing portion suppresses heat transfer from the heat generator to the measurement wiring in the first heat transfer path, or suppresses heat transfer from the heat-generation wiring to the temperature sensor in the second heat transfer path.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a window on a distal end of the endoscope, an interior body with a first material on the distal end, and a mantle with a second material on the distal end, such that the window and the interior body are joined.

Abstract: A heater unit includes a heater which is provided inside of a distal end portion of an endoscope insertion portion and which heats the inside to prevent fogging which occurs in an optical member provided the inside, a temperature sensor which measures the temperature of the inside and a flexible substrate. The heater unit further includes an insulating sealing portion which seals a mounting surface of the heater mounted on the flexible substrate, which seals the heater so that so that a joint surface of the heater that faces the mounting surface and that is joined to the lens frame is exposed and which seals the whole temperature sensor.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a housing with an aperture, a window component that comprises a transparent material and closes off the aperture, and a thin-walled area that surrounds the aperture.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an objective optical system that is provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope which can be inserted into a body cavity of a subject; a temperature sensor unit that detects a temperature of the distal end portion; a heating unit that can generate heat for preventing fogging of the objective optical system; a timer that measures a time period during which the temperature of the distal end portion detected by the temperature sensor unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature; and a control unit that performs control so as to cause the heating unit to generate the heat when the time period measured by the timer continues for a predetermined time period or longer.

Abstract: A warming device (30) for warming the lens portion (2) of an optical instrument (1), such as a laparoscope, to a temperature above ambient to prevent lens fogging comprising: a double walled cylindrical tube (3) having an internal wall (3b), and an external wall (3a), an upper surface and an open distal portion (7) with a central cavity (4) therebetween; a protrusion (9) extending from said upper surface, sized and shaped to receive the lens portion; a circular cap (5) sized to attach to said distal portion of said double walled cylindrical tube; and, a heating element (15) enclosed within said central cavity and thermally coupled to said insulation layer.

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: An endoscope apparatus includes a transparent member that is provided at a distal end of an insertion portion of an endoscope and opposed to an image pickup optical system, a transducer that is attached to an inner surface of the transparent member, a diffraction grating that is provided on an outer surface of the transparent member, and converts an ultrasound vibration f from the transducer into a surface acoustic wave ? which propagates on the outer surface of the transparent member, and absorption portions that are provided at an outer peripheral portion of the transparent member, and deflect the propagated surface acoustic wave ? to a surface different from the outer surface to absorb the surface acoustic wave.

Abstract: An endoscope gas feed system includes a fluid curtain nozzle for blowing a fluid curtain-forming gas toward an observation window provided on a distal end surface of the insertion part of an endoscope, the distal end surface including at least the observation window and an opening for spraying a constant-pressure feed gas, and the fluid curtain nozzle is provided on an opposite side of the opening with respect to the observation window, a gas/water feed nozzle for cleaning the observation window, the gas/water feed nozzle being provided on the distal end surface, a constant-pressure gas feed unit for supplying the constant-pressure feed gas, so as to spray the constant-pressure feed gas from the opening, and a fluid curtain-forming gas feed unit for supplying a gas, so as to blow the fluid curtain-forming gas from the fluid curtain nozzle.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope includes a distal end portion of an insertion portion which incorporates electronic components, a metal frame which holds an observation window, an earth member which is connected to a patient-side ground of an external device, and a static-protective member which is disposed in the distal end portion to have a predetermined clearance from the metal frame and is electrically connected to the earth member to let static electricity applied to the distal end portion flow to the earth member. With the configuration, the electronic endoscope prevents occurrence of trouble, a fault, and the like in an electronic component incorporated in the distal end portion due to applied static electricity.

Abstract: A lens frame unit includes a lens frame body that houses an optical member, a heat transfer unit that covers at least part of the lens frame body, a heat-generating unit, a temperature measurement unit that measures temperature and a same single electrical wiring board on which the heat-generating unit and the temperature measurement unit are mounted. The heat-generating unit and the temperature measurement unit are arranged on the electrical wiring board so as to be separated from each other, and the electrical wiring board is disposed such that the heat-generating unit and the temperature measurement unit are in contact with the heat transfer unit. Thermal resistance between closest positions of the heat-generating unit and the temperature measurement unit is greater than thermal resistance between the heat-generating unit and the heat transfer unit, and between the temperature measurement unit and the heat transfer unit.

Abstract: Anti-fogging system for an endoscope including an endoscope having an outer housing, an imaging arrangement, and a distal window. A filter lens is located at the distal window, with the filter lens allowing a first portion of electromagnetic light to pass therethrough while absorbing a second portion of electromagnetic light in order to heat the filter lens.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope includes a distal end portion of an insertion portion which incorporates an image pickup unit, a first metal frame which holds an observation window, a second metal frame which holds an objective optical system, a third metal frame which is made to fit with a rear portion of the second metal frame and holds an electronic component, an anti-fogging unit which prevents fogging of the observation window, and a thermal insulation member which thermally insulates the anti-fogging unit and the second metal frame from each other to inhibit transmission of heat generated in the anti-fogging unit to the third metal frame, an outer circumferential face of which fits with an inner circumferential face of the first metal frame, and an inner circumferential face of which fits with an outer circumferential face of the second metal frame.

Abstract: A system for preventing or removing fogging from and endoscope which includes an endoscope having a distal end and a heating module disposed over the distal end of the endoscope. The heating module may include a heating element arranged as a single-segment heater, or in a series of elongated portions extending circumferentially around the distal end of the endoscope connected by bend portions that are parallel or tangent to a longitudinal axis of the endoscope. The heating module may also be disposed on or adhered to an outside surface of the endoscope, and may include a heating element made from a resistive heating material. The heating module may be provided as a single-use disposable device, and may include an outside surface made from a biocompatible or sterilizable insulating material.

Abstract: A temperature control apparatus for an endoscope includes: a temperature detection section that detects a temperature of an object to be heated, the object to be heated being heated by a heater; a semiconductor switch that performs switching between supply and shut off of the power to the heater; a control section that controls the semiconductor switch to perform temperature control for the object to be heated, and performs heating stopping control to turn the semiconductor switch off; a mechanical switch that performs switching between continuity and shut off of a power line; and a heating stopping circuit that if an abnormality occurs in temperature control for the heater, performs heating stopping control to turn the mechanical switch off.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an insertion portion inserted into a body, an optical member arranged exposed from an outside surface at a distal end of the insertion portion, an objective optical system that condenses light impinged from the optical member, an electronic image pickup circuit that photoelectrically converts the light condensed by the objective optical system, a heat absorbing section arranged in the vicinity of the electronic image pickup circuit for absorbing heat generated from the electronic image pickup circuit, a heat transfer section extending toward the optical member side for transferring heat of the heat absorbing section, a heat radiation section arranged in the vicinity of the optical member for radiating heat transferred by the heat transfer section to the optical member, and a heat transfer member that is formed by patterning a metal foil on an insulating, flexible film member and includes the heat absorbing section, the heat transfer section and the heat radiation section.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided having an observation port, a fluid supply pipe, a cap, a fluid ejection channel, and a direction adjustment protrusion. The observation port is provided at the distal end of the endoscope, and collects light reflected from an object. The fluid supply pipe transmits gas and/or liquid to the distal end. The cap blocks the distal end of the fluid supply pipe and is configured so that a partially enclosed semispherical space is created between the distal end of the fluid supply pipe and the inner surface of the cap. The fluid ejection channel has an outlet in the direction of the observation port, and extends from the edge of the opening at the distal end of the fluid supply pipe to the outlet and occupies the semispherical space inside the cap. The direction adjustment protrusion extends over the outlet in the lengthwise direction of the fluid ejection channel.

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

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

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

Abstract: An endoscope comprises: an insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity; an operation portion provided continuously from a proximal end side of the insertion portion; and a cylinder in which a gas to be fed to the distal end of the insertion portion is compressed and filled, the cylinder being detachably attached to the operation portion.

Abstract: A medical endoscope and insertion portion for a medical endoscope having a fiber tube that encloses an image guide and is surrounded by optical fibers, the distal opening of said fiber tube being sealed by a window, which is heated by an electric resistance heater located close by, wherein the heater is designed as heating foil arranged on the outer surface of the fiber tube.

Abstract: A medical endoscope (1) fitted with an optics duct (4) receiving an optical system (9, 10) enclosed by a system tube (6), the distal end of the optics duct (4) being closed by a window (5) to the inner surface of which is mounted an electrical heater (11), characterized in that the heating ring (11) rests against the inner surface of the window (5) while being pressed in that direction by a spring (13).

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus has a heater device including a heater and a temperature sensor. The heater device is arranged outside the effective light beam range of an objective optical system, with a predetermined air gap between the heater device and an inner circumferential surface of a rigid member that holds a cover glass. The heater device is pressed to the cover glass by an elastic member disposed at an outer circumferential portion of a protruding frame that holds a lens at a distal end. An electrical connection portion of the heater and an electrical connection portion of the temperature sensor of the image pickup apparatus are disposed facing each other with respect to an optical axis, on a proximal end side that is further to the rear than a distal end face of a lens on a distal end side of a front group lens unit that is a side on which a height of an effective light beam of the objective optical system is relatively low.

Abstract: A device is configured for white balancing a medical videoscopic camera system prior to videoscopic medical procedures, as well as optionally simultaneously or non-simultaneously applying a fog-prohibiting agent to the distal lens of a medical videoscope such as an endoscope or laparoscope. The device combines a white balancing mechanism, protective mechanism, and defogging mechanism in one simple easy to use device.

Abstract: An endoscope insertion portion includes an imaging unit including a distal end optical member arranged at a distal end portion of the imaging unit and a movable optical member configured to be moved relative to the distal end optical member, an actuator unit arranged in a position relative to the distal end optical member, configured to drive the movable optical member and including a shape memory member configured to deform according to temperature, and a heater unit including a heating member configured to heat the distal end optical member wherein the heater unit is arranged on one side opposite to other side on which the actuator unit is arranged and the heating member is configured to heat the distal end optical member from the one side to the other side, relative to the optical axis of the imaging unit, when viewing in the axial direction of the insertion portion.

Abstract: An air shield for a videoscope imager to prevent obscuring of the optical input by body liquids and tissue particles. The imager is extended through a tube carrying a pressurized gas so that when the gas escapes from the end of the tube, it generates an air stream envelope around the optical input of the imager and prevents liquids and particles directed toward the optical input from contacting the optical input. The pressurized gas flows continuously during the medical or dental procedure to maintain a constant resistance to liquids and matter directed to the optical input of the imager.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insertion portion including a distal end portion, to be inserted into a subject; an observation optical system disposed in the insertion portion; an optical member configuring a part of an outer surface of the distal end portion, through which a photographing light to be incident into the observation optical system transmits; a first hydrophilic portion that is film-formed at least on a surface of the optical member; a second hydrophilic portion that is film-formed on a first surface of the distal end portion in which the optical member is disposed; and a third hydrophilic portion that is film-formed on a second surface separate from the first surface of the distal end portion.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus of the invention includes an endoscope, camera control unit (CCU), and a trocar. The endoscope includes a heater and a temperature sensor. The CCU is configured to include a resistance value-voltage value conversion section, an analog-digital conversion section, voltage value-temperature table conversion section, a control voltage calculation section, an digital-analog conversion section, a voltage amplification section, a switch control section, and a switch. The trocar 5 includes an insertion detection sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope for medical and non-medical purposes having a housing and a shaping element positioned in the housing containing a hygroscopic substance. To design a medical instrument of the aforementioned type in such a manner than the hygroscopic substance can be integrated into the housing simply and securely with the greatest possible drying effect, it is proposed in keeping with the invention that the binding agent is also a hygroscopically active substance.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided, comprising a first tube (11) whose distal end is sealed with a cover glass (15) disposed in a mount (14) and an electric heating system for heating the cover glass (15), with the heating system comprising two electric connections (6, 7) which can be connected with a power source, and an electrically conductive coating (22) which is applied to the inside (19) of the cover glass (15) and comprises two mutually spaced contact sections (23, 24), of which one each is electrically connected with one of the connections (6, 7), and with the mount (14) being electrically conductive and a first (23) of the two contact sections (23, 24) being electrically connected via the mount (14) with the associated connection (6, 7).

Abstract: An apparatus which is self-contained, disposable, utilized for protecting the distal lens of endoscopes. The apparatus is sterile and is used as a holder or as an anti-fog solution applicator for the scope while protecting it from impact with a shock absorbent outer housing. A new method for protecting endoscopes by placing an inexpensive sterile protective cover over the distal lens of the endoscope which entails, placing the protector over the distal lens prior to medical procedure, protective cover is used intermittently and repeatedly during the medical procedure when the scope is not in use. Finally, at the end of the medical procedure the protective cover is placed over the distal lens and not removed until the scope reaches the area where it will be cleaned and sterilized. By protecting the scope prior to, during and after a medical procedure, endoscope repairs are reduced thereby saving hospitals money.

Abstract: The present application discloses several devices for maintaining visualization with a surgical scope. The embodiments of the device are adapted to shield, defog or clean the lens of the surgical scope while the surgical scope is being used to perform a surgical procedure within a patient's body. In some embodiments, the view optimizer is provided in multiple parts enabling separation of one or more operator control features from engagement with the surgical scope. In some embodiments, the view optimizer features stabilization means for securement and positioning with the surgical scope.

Abstract: Apparatus for tracking an object includes a plurality of field generators, which generate electromagnetic fields at different, respective frequencies in a vicinity of the object, and a radio frequency (RF) driver, which radiates a RF driving field toward the object. A wireless transponder is fixed to the object. The transponder includes at least one sensor coil, in which a signal current flows responsive to the electromagnetic fields, and a power coil, which receives the RF driving field and conveys electrical energy from the driving field to power the transponder. The power coil also transmits an output signal responsive to the signal current to a signal receiver, which processes the signal to determine coordinates of the object.

Abstract: A medical endoscope and insertion portion for a medical endoscope having a fiber tube that encloses an image guide and is surrounded by optical fibers, the distal opening of said fiber tube being sealed by a window, which is heated by an electric resistance heater located close by, wherein the heater is designed as heating foil arranged on the outer surface of the fiber tube.

Abstract: A medical endoscope (1) fitted with an optics duct (4) receiving an optical system (9, 10) enclosed by a system tube (6), the distal end of the optics duct (4) being closed by a window (5) to the inner surface of which is mounted an electrical heater (11), characterized in that the heating ring (11) rests against the inner surface of the window (5) while being pressed in that direction by a spring (13).

Abstract: A system and associated method is used for warming an endoscope, laparoscope, or other such instrument to minimize fogging. A flexible pad has a length, a width and a periphery for wrapping around the instrument and a plurality of separate chambers defined through partitions. Each of the separate chambers includes an activation disc and a mixture of water and sodium acetate to generate heat through an exothermic reaction initiated through manual manipulation of the disc for that chamber. The pad is preferably made from two plastic sheets of substantially equal size, with the chambers being formed by heat-sealing or otherwise bonding the periphery of the sheets and the partitions. At least some of the partitions establish lengthwise and/or widthwise fold lines in the pad. At least one of the partitions may include a gap to facilitate fluid transfer of the mixture. The disc is preferably made of perforated stainless steel.

Abstract: A system and associated method is used for warming an endoscope, laparoscope, or other such instrument to minimize fogging. The preferred embodiment comprises a pad for wrapping around an instrument, including a one or more substances operative to generate heat through an exothermic reaction; and an activation disc located around the periphery of the pad to provide for convenient user access. In the preferred embodiment, the activator is a mixture of water and sodium acetate, and the disc is made of perforated stainless steel. A housing contains the pad in sleeve form and an optional heat-conductive tube to receive the instrument around which the pad is wrapped. The pad may be partitioned.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope comprising a pick-up unit at a distal end of the electronic endoscope, the pick-up unit comprising: an object optical system that brings in image light of a portion to be observed in a body cavity; a solid-state image pick-up device that picks up the image light and outputs image pick-up signals; a cover glass disposed above an image pick-up surface of the solid-state image pick-up device with spacing secured between the cover glass and the image pick-up surface; and a prism, whose incidence plane and emission plane are connected to the object optical system and the cover glass respectively, that guides image light from the object optical system to the pick-up surface, wherein the electronic endoscope further comprises: a heater that is attached to the prism and heats a surface of the cover glass, to which the emission plane is connected, via the prism; and a controller that controls operations of the heater.

Abstract: An endoscopic device including a control circuit that is detachably connectable to a handle, where the control circuit functions and is compatible with a wide variety of displays. The handle of the endoscopic device is provided with a connector to transmit image data from a distal end to the detachable control circuit. The control circuit may be provided with a keyed outer surface to guide and maintain the control circuit in an engaged position relative to the handle and connector.

Abstract: An endoscopic imaging system includes a reusable control cabinet having a number of actuators that control the orientation of a lightweight endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope is used with a single patient and is then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet. The endoscope is coated with a hydrophilic coating that reduces its coefficient of friction and because it is lightweight, requires less force to advance it to a desired location within a patient.

Abstract: A warming device (30) for warming the lens portion (2) of an optical instrument (1), such as a laparoscope, to a temperature above ambient to prevent lens fogging comprising: a double walled cylindrical tube (3) having an internal wall (3b), and an external wall (3a), an upper surface and an open distal portion (7) with a central cavity (4) therebetween; a protrusion (9) extending from said upper surface, sized and shaped to receive the lens portion; a circular cap (5) sized to attach to said distal portion of said double walled cylindrical tube; and, a heating element (15) enclosed within said central cavity and thermally coupled to said insulation layer

Abstract: A device is configured for white balancing a medical videoscopic camera system prior to videoscopic medical procedures, as well as optionally simultaneously or non-simultaneously applying a fog-prohibiting agent to the distal lens of a medical videoscope such as an endoscope or laparoscope. The device combines a white balancing mechanism, protective mechanism, and defogging mechanism in one simple easy to use device.

Abstract: The instrument has an original cleaning system, which includes a gas nozzle supplying a gas jet onto the optical surface under high pressure. This pressure is sufficient to enable the gas jet to be a single cleaning means for cleaning the optical surface in all clinical instances. A safety means prevents the patient's internal organs from barotrauma by the gas jet and includes a gas jet catcher and a suction pump of ejection type. The latter is arranged in the instrument's handle and can be used also for the removal of abundant secretions or body's small particles from the patient's cavity. Besides, the gas jet and the suction pump along with a control means form the system for pressure control within the patient's cavity.

Abstract: A sterile, self-contained, disposable apparatus used for heating and applying solution to the distal end of endoscopes as well as an endoscopic lens protector. The heating mechanism is chemical, electrical or a combination of both. Further the apparatus serves as a self sealing container for the storage and application of anti-fog solution. By placing the apparatus over the distal scope prior to surgery, the scope is protected from damage from other instruments or trays. At the same time the distal lens is submerged in the warm anti-fog solution and it is uniformly and completely coated. Heat is transferred to the instrument from the solution in one example to act as an important and additional measure to prevent fogging of the lens. By heating the solution and the instrument, the drastic temperature difference between the interior of the body (98.6) and the instrument is eliminated. This inhibits the condensation of moisture, which always occurs upon inserting the cool scope inside the warm body.

Abstract: A system and associated method is used for warming an endoscope, laparoscope, or other such instrument to minimize fogging. The preferred embodiment comprises a pad for wrapping around an instrument, including a one or more substances operative to generate heat through an exothermic reaction; and an activation disc located around the periphery of the pad to provide for convenient user access. In the preferred embodiment, the activator is a mixture of water and sodium acetate, and the disc is made of perforated stainless steel. A housing contains the pad in sleeve form and an optional heat-conductive tube to receive the instrument around which the pad is wrapped. The pad may be partitioned.

Abstract: An endoscope suitable for autoclave sterilization includes an insertion section having an objective lens section disposed at the extreme end thereof for focusing a subject image and an eyepiece section located on the base end side of the inserting section and including at least an eyepiece lens. an image guide fiber is disposed in the bundle for transmitting the subject image in an observation section focused by the objective lens section. An eyepiece lens unit is disposed in the eyepiece section, the eyepiece lens unit causing the eyepiece lens to confront the base end structure whose hermetic seal level is higher than the watertight seal level of the shell of the endoscope. A focus position changing means is disposed to the eyepiece lens unit to change the focus position of the eyepiece lens. The eyepiece section is so constructed and/or assembled that the autoclave sterilization process does not cause water vapor or the like to adversely affect the operability of the eyepiece section.

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.