JP2004223104A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope capable of more stably performing various types of operations such as the operations on the biological tissue or the like, while followability to the lumen and elasticity against bending are maintained. <P>SOLUTION: An insertion part flexible tube 2 of the endoscope comprises a core member 24, which is constituted of a spiral tube 241 formed by winding a strip material spirally and a net tube 242 formed by braiding metal or nonmetal threads and arranged around the periphery of the spiral tube 241, and an outer skin covering the periphery of the core member 24. A part of the insertion part flexible tube 2 is further provided, in a longitudinal direction thereof, with a shape maintaining member 26 for maintaining a curved or bent shape of the insertion part flexible tube 2. The shape maintaining member 26 comprises a linear body winding spirally around the periphery of the core member 24. When the pitch of the linear body is P<SB>S</SB>(mm) and the pitch of the spiral tube 241 is P<SB>L</SB>(mm), P<SB>S</SB>/P<SB>L</SB>preferably satisfies a relation of 1/100 to 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an endoscope.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the medical field, endoscopes are used for inspection and diagnosis of the digestive tract and the like. Such an endoscope has an insertion section flexible tube inserted into a body cavity, and an operation section for performing a bending operation of the insertion section flexible tube.
[0003]
Since the insertion portion flexible tube is inserted into the meandering body cavity, it can follow this curved or bent shape, and the pushing force applied on the proximal end side is absorbed by the curved or bent portion. (Buckling state), it is necessary to have excellent elasticity against bending (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
By the way, as an examination using an endoscope, an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is known.
[0005]
This inspection is performed as follows using a side-view type endoscope. That is, first, the distal end of the flexible tube of the insertion section of the endoscope is inserted into the duodenum where the pancreatic duct and the bile duct open. Next, in this state, the catheter inserted through the flexible tube in the insertion section is inserted into the pancreatic duct or the bile duct while observing with an endoscope. Then, a contrast agent is injected into the pancreatic duct, bile duct, gallbladder, and the like via this catheter, and X-ray imaging is performed. Thereby, a disease in these organs can be diagnosed.
[0006]
However, also in the side-view type endoscope, since the insertion section flexible tube is configured to focus on the elastic force against bending as described above, the distal end of the insertion section flexible tube is positioned at a predetermined position. When the catheter is inserted into a pancreatic duct or a bile duct, the distal end of the flexible tube at the insertion portion may be blurred, and this operation may not be performed stably.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent No. 2641789 [0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope that can perform various operations such as treatment on a living tissue more stably while ensuring followability to a lumen and elasticity against bending.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Such an object is achieved by the following (1) to (10) of the present invention.
[0010]
(1) An endoscope having an insertion portion flexible tube inserted into a lumen,
An endoscope, wherein a shape maintaining member for maintaining a curved or bent shape of the insertion portion flexible tube is provided on a part of the insertion portion flexible tube in a longitudinal direction.
[0011]
This makes it possible to more stably perform various operations such as treatment on living tissue.
[0012]
(2) The insertion section flexible tube has a tubular core material, and an outer skin coated on the outer periphery of the core material,
The endoscope according to (1), wherein the shape maintaining member is provided between the core material and the outer skin.
[0013]
This allows the shape maintaining member to be more securely fixed to the insertion portion flexible tube.
[0014]
(3) The endoscope according to (2), wherein the shape maintaining member is formed by winding a linear body around the outer periphery of the core material.
With such a simple configuration, the function as the shape maintaining member is suitably exhibited.
[0015]
(4) The endoscope according to (3), wherein the linear body is spirally wound.
With such a simple configuration, the function as the shape maintaining member is suitably exhibited.
[0016]
(5) The core material has a spiral tube formed by spirally winding a belt-shaped material,
The endoscope according to (4), wherein a pitch of the linear body is equal to or less than a pitch of the spiral tube.
[0017]
Thereby, the function of maintaining the shape of the insertion portion flexible tube by the linear body can be further improved.
[0018]
(6) the pitch of the linear body and _P S [mm], when the pitch of the spiral tube and the _P L _[mm], the which satisfies the relationship P S / _{P L} is 1 / 100-1 ( 4) or the endoscope according to (5).
Thereby, the function of maintaining the shape of the flexible tube of the insertion portion by the linear body is remarkably exhibited.
[0019]
(7) The endoscope according to any one of (2) to (6), wherein the shape maintaining member is made of a material having a higher hardness than the outer skin.
[0020]
Thereby, the function of maintaining the shape of the insertion portion flexible tube by the shape maintaining member can be further improved.
[0021]
(8) The endoscope according to any one of (2) to (7), wherein the shape maintaining member is formed of a material having high compatibility with a constituent material of the outer skin.
Thereby, the adhesion between the outer cover and the shape maintaining member can be further improved.
[0022]
(9) The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the shape maintaining member is mainly made of a resin material.
[0023]
Thereby, the adhesion between the outer cover and the shape maintaining member can be made particularly excellent.
[0024]
(10) The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (9), which is a side-view type endoscope.
[0025]
The endoscope of the present invention is applicable to various endoscopes, but is preferably applied to a side-view type endoscope (particularly, a duodenal scope).
[0026]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an endoscope according to the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
[0027]
FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an embodiment in which the endoscope of the present invention is applied to an electronic endoscope (electronic scope), and FIG. 2 is a flexible insertion section provided in the electronic endoscope shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an insertion portion flexible tube included in the electronic endoscope shown in FIG. Hereinafter, in FIG. 1, the upper side is referred to as a “proximal end”, the lower side is referred to as a “distal end”, and the right side in FIGS.
[0028]
The electronic endoscope 1 shown in each figure is a side-view type endoscope. The electronic endoscope 1 is connected to a flexible (flexible) long insertion tube 2 and a proximal end of the insertion tube 2. An operation unit 6 for operating the entire endoscope 1, a flexible connection portion 7 connected to the operation portion 6, and a light source insertion portion 8 connected to a distal end of the flexible connection portion 7 are provided. ing.
[0029]
The insertion section flexible tube 2 is used by being inserted into a body cavity. As shown in FIG. 1, the insertion portion flexible tube 2 includes a flexible tube portion 20 provided from the near side (base end) and a distal end portion of the flexible tube portion 20, and a bendable bending portion 21 and a bending portion 21. And a rigid part 22 provided at the tip of the part.
[0030]
The bending portion 21 is bent in four directions by operating the operation knobs 61 and 62 provided on the side surface of the operation portion 6, and can change the direction.
[0031]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an objective optical system 9 and an image pickup device (CCD) 10 for picking up a subject image at an observation site are provided inside the rigid portion 22.
[0032]
The objective optical system 9 includes a cover glass 91 provided on a side surface of the rigid portion 22, a first right-angle prism 92, an objective lens 93, and a second right-angle prism 94 arranged on the same optical path. One side surface of the second right-angle prism 94 is bonded to the element surface (light receiving surface) of the image sensor 10 via an optical adhesive.
[0033]
The image pickup device 10 is provided in the light source insertion portion 8 by an image signal cable (not shown) continuously disposed in the insertion portion flexible tube 2, the operation portion 6, and the connection portion flexible tube 7. Connected to the image signal connector 82.
[0034]
An illumination cover glass 11 is provided on a side surface of the rigid portion 22 so as to be adjacent to the cover glass 91 of the objective optical system 9. The tip of a light guide 12 for guiding illumination light is connected to the illumination cover glass 11.
[0035]
The distal end of the treatment instrument insertion tube 13 is open at an opening 131 on the side surface of the rigid portion 22 at a position close to the cover glasses 11 and 91. The treatment instrument insertion tube 13 is disposed inside the insertion section flexible tube 2, and has a proximal end communicating with a treatment instrument insertion hole 63 provided in the operation section 6. A treatment tool such as a catheter and a guide wire is inserted into the treatment tool insertion tube 13 from the treatment tool insertion hole 63.
[0036]
On the other hand, a light source connector 81 and an image signal connector 82 are provided at the distal end of the light source insertion portion 8, and the light source connector 81 and the image signal connector 82 are connected to a connection portion of a light source processor (not shown). , The light source insertion part 8 is connected to the light source processor device. A monitor device (not shown) is connected to the light source processor device via a cable.
[0037]
The light emitted from the light source processor device is continuously arranged in the light source connector 81, the light source insertion portion 8, the connection portion flexible tube 7, the operation portion 6, and the insertion portion flexible tube 2. After passing through the light guide 12, the observation portion is illuminated from the side surface of the hard portion 22 and illuminated. Such a light guide 12 is configured by bundling a plurality of optical fibers made of, for example, quartz, multi-component glass, plastic, or the like.
[0038]
The reflected light (subject image) from the observation site illuminated by the illumination light passes through the cover glass 91, the first right-angle prism 92, the objective lens 93, and the second right-angle prism 94, and is imaged by the image sensor 10. You. The image sensor 10 outputs an image signal corresponding to the captured subject image. This image signal is transmitted to the light source insertion unit 8 via the image signal cable.
[0039]
Then, predetermined processing (for example, signal processing, image processing, and the like) is performed in the light source insertion unit 8 and the light source processor device, and thereafter, input to the monitor device. The monitor device displays an image (electronic image) captured by the image sensor, that is, a moving image of an endoscope monitor image.
[0040]
Next, the configuration of the insertion portion flexible tube 2 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 4, the flexible tube 2 has a core material 24 and an outer skin 25 covering the outer periphery thereof. Inside the insertion section flexible tube 2, for example, an image signal cable, a light guide 12, a treatment instrument insertion tube 13, a gas supply tube 14, a liquid supply tube 15, and the like are provided.
[0041]
The core member 24 is composed of a spiral tube 241 and a mesh tube (braided body) 242 that covers the outer periphery of the spiral tube 241, and is formed as a tube-like long object as a whole.
The core member 24 has an effect of reinforcing the insertion portion flexible tube 2. Particularly, by combining the spiral tube 241 and the mesh tube 242, the insertion portion flexible tube 2 can secure sufficient mechanical strength.
[0042]
The spiral tube 241 is formed by spirally winding a belt-shaped material with a uniform diameter at intervals. As a material constituting the belt-like material, for example, stainless steel, a copper alloy, or the like is preferably used.
[0043]
The mesh tube 242 is formed by braiding a plurality of thin wires made of metal or nonmetal. As a material constituting the fine wire, for example, stainless steel, a copper alloy, or the like is preferably used. Further, at least one of the thin wires forming the mesh tube 242 may be coated with a synthetic resin.
[0044]
The outer periphery of the core 24 is covered with an outer skin 25. The outer cover 25 is mainly made of a resin material. Thereby, the effect of preventing damage to the tissue in the body cavity due to friction and intrusion of a liquid such as a body fluid into the insertion portion flexible tube 2 is exhibited.
[0045]
The resin material is not particularly limited as long as it has flexibility (flexibility), and examples thereof include, for example, polyolefin resins such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and polyamides. Resin, polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate, polyurethane resin, polystyrene resin, fluorine resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, and polyimide resin. Various flexible resins, polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer, polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer, polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomer, polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomer, polystyrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, fluorine-based thermoplastic Elastomer, silicone rubber, of the various elastomer latex rubber can be used singly or in combination of two or more kinds. Among these, it is preferable to use various thermoplastic elastomers. Thermoplastic elastomers are particularly excellent in flexibility.
[0046]
The average thickness of the outer cover 25 is not particularly limited as long as it can protect the internal components disposed in the insertion portion flexible tube 2 and does not hinder the flexibility of the insertion portion flexible tube 2. However, it is preferably about 0.1 to 3 mm, more preferably about 0.2 to 1 mm.
[0047]
Further, the outer cover 25 is not limited to a single layer, and a part or all of the outer layer 25 in the longitudinal direction may be configured by a laminate of a plurality of layers.
[0048]
A shape maintaining member 26 that maintains the curved or bent shape (state) when the flexible tube 2 is bent or bent is provided in a part of the flexible tube 2 in the longitudinal direction. Has been.
[0049]
By providing the shape maintaining member 26, the rigidity of the insertion portion flexible tube 2 at the portion where the shape maintaining member 26 is provided is greater than the rigidity of the other portions, and as a result, the shape maintaining member 26 is provided. When the insertion section flexible tube 2 is curved or bent at a portion, the curved or bent shape of the insertion section flexible tube 2 is maintained at this portion.
In addition, the curved or bent shape of the flexible tube 2 is maintained unless an external force exceeding a predetermined value is applied. In other words, the shape maintaining member 26 has a function of giving the insertion section flexible tube 2 a bending habit.
[0050]
In addition, the configuration in which the shape maintaining member 26 is provided in a part of the insertion section flexible tube 2 in the longitudinal direction impairs the followability of the insertion section flexible tube 2 with respect to the body cavity (lumen) and the elasticity with respect to bending. Without this, a shape maintaining function can be imparted to a predetermined portion of the flexible tube 2 of the insertion section.
[0051]
In the present embodiment, the shape maintaining member 26 is formed of a single linear or band-shaped linear body, and is formed by being spirally wound around the outer periphery of the mesh tube 242 (core member 24). . With such a simple configuration, the function as the shape maintaining member 26 is suitably exhibited.
[0052]
By providing the linear body on the outer periphery of the mesh tube 242, that is, between the core material 24 and the outer skin 25, the linear body can be more securely fixed to the core material 24 (insertion portion flexible tube 2). Can be done.
[0053]
In addition, since the linear body is formed as a separate member from the core material 24 and the outer skin 25, it is possible to prevent the range of selection of the constituent materials of the core material 24 and the outer skin 25 from being reduced.
[0054]
The linear body is preferably made of a material having a higher hardness than the outer skin 25. Thereby, the function of maintaining the shape of the insertion portion flexible tube 2 by the linear body can be further improved.
[0055]
Examples of such materials include, but are not particularly limited to, various metal materials such as stainless steel, copper, tungsten, nickel, and titanium; polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT); polyethylene, and polypropylene. Such as polyolefin, rigid polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, polyimide, polystyrene, thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, ABS resin, acrylic resin, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyacetal (PA), polyarylate, polyoxymethylene (POM), High tension polyvinyl alcohol, fluororesin, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF), polytetrafluoroethylene, saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVOH), polysulfone, polyether Sulfone, polyether ketone, polyphenylene oxide, various resin materials such as polyphenylene sulfide or a polymer alloy containing the same, carbon fibers, glass fibers and the like, may be used in combination of two or more of these.
[0056]
In particular, the linear body is preferably made of a material having high compatibility with the constituent material of the outer cover 25. Thereby, the adhesion between the outer cover 25 and the linear body can be further improved. Specifically, it is preferable that the linear body is mainly composed of a resin material. Thereby, the adhesiveness between the outer cover 25 and the linear body can be made particularly excellent.
[0057]
The cross-sectional shape of such a linear body is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, any of a circle such as a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, a square, a rhombus, a pentagon, a hexagon, and a polygon such as an octagon. May be.
[0058]
Further, the width of the linear body (L in FIG. 4) is slightly different depending on its constituent material and the like, but is preferably about 0.01 to 0.1 mm, and is about 0.01 to 0.08 mm. Is more preferred. If the width L of the linear body is too small, sufficient strength may not be obtained. On the other hand, if the width L of the linear body is too large, the flexibility (flexibility) of the insertion portion flexible tube 2 is reduced. It may decrease.
[0059]
It is preferable that the pitch of the linear body is equal to or less than the pitch of the spiral tube 241. Thereby, the function of maintaining the shape of the insertion portion flexible tube 2 by the linear body can be further improved.
[0060]
In particular, when the pitch of the linear body is P _S [mm] and the pitch of the spiral tube is P _L [mm], it is preferable that the relationship of P _S / P _L satisfies 1/100 to 1, P _S / _{P L} is more preferable to satisfy 1 / 100-1 / 2 the relationship. Thereby, the shape maintaining function of the insertion portion flexible tube 2 by the linear body is remarkably exhibited.
[0061]
The location where the linear body is provided is appropriately set according to the use of the electronic endoscope 1. For example, in the case of a duodenal scope (an endoscope used for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), the linear body is preferably provided in a range of 110 to 200 mm from the distal end of the insertion portion flexible tube 2. .
[0062]
In the present embodiment, as the shape maintaining member 26, a configuration in which one linear body is formed by spirally winding around the outer periphery of the core material 24 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a structure in which a plurality of linear bodies are formed in a net shape around the outer periphery of the core member 24, and a plurality of ring-shaped members are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the core member 24. It may be one having a configuration formed by forming.
[0063]
Further, the shape maintaining members 26 may be provided at a plurality of positions in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion flexible tube 2 depending on the use of the electronic endoscope 1. In this case, the configuration of the shape maintaining member 26 at each location may be the same or different.
[0064]
Further, the shape maintaining member 26 is not limited to the configuration provided on the outer periphery of the core 24, and may be, for example, a configuration provided on the inner circumference (inside) of the core 24.
[0065]
Next, an example of a usage (operation) of the electronic endoscope 1 will be described. Here, a case where the electronic endoscope 1 is used for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) will be described as a representative.
[0066]
FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining how to use the electronic endoscope 1.
[0067]
As shown in FIG. 5, the duodenum 100 is a tubular organ that has a C shape as a whole and connects the pylorus 201 of the stomach 200 and the jejunum 300. The duodenum 100 is composed of a bulb 101 connected to the pylorus 201, a descending leg 103 going downward from the upper duodenal angle 102, and an ascending leg 105 going upward from the lower duodenal angle 104. In the middle of the descending leg 103, the pancreatic duct 400 and the bile duct 500 join and open at the duodenal papilla (Farter papilla) 106. The length from the pylorus 201 to the duodenal papilla is usually about 100 mm.
[0068]
First, while checking the image of the monitor device connected to the light source processor device, the insertion portion flexible tube 2 is moved from the oral cavity through the esophagus and the stomach until its distal end reaches a position beyond the duodenal papilla 106 of the duodenum 100. insert. At this time, the flexible tube 2 of the insertion portion bends in accordance with the shape near the upper duodenal angle 102 by passing through the upper duodenal angle 102.
[0069]
The insertion portion flexible tube 2 is provided with a shape maintaining member 26 at a position corresponding to the bent portion so as to maintain the bent shape. Accordingly, the insertion portion flexible tube 2 maintains (holds) a bent shape corresponding to the shape near the upper duodenal angle 102.
[0070]
Thereafter, the distal end portion of the flexible tube 2 is pulled back toward the stomach 200 (see FIG. 6). At this time, since the insertion portion flexible tube 2 maintains the bent shape, the distal end side of the bent portion comes into contact with the wall surface of the descending leg 103. In this state, the flexible tube 2 is fixed at the pylorus 201 and the superior duodenal horn 102.
[0071]
Next, the catheter 16 is inserted through the treatment instrument insertion tube 13, protruded from the opening 131, and inserted into the duodenal papilla 106. The operation of inserting the catheter 16 into the duodenal papilla 106 can also be performed using a guide wire.
[0072]
At this time, since the insertion portion flexible tube 2 maintains the bent shape and is fixed to the duodenum 100, the insertion portion flexible tube 2 performs the operation of inserting the catheter 16 into the duodenal papilla 106. Blurring of the distal end of the insertion section flexible tube 2 is prevented or suppressed, and this operation can be performed more stably.
[0073]
Next, the catheter 16 is pushed forward and inserted into the pancreatic duct 400 or the bile duct 500 as shown in FIG. A contrast agent is injected into the pancreatic duct 400, the bile duct 500, the gallbladder, and the like via the catheter 16.
[0074]
By performing X-ray photography, diseases in these organs can be diagnosed.
[0075]
As described above, the endoscope of the present invention has been described with respect to the illustrated embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this, and each unit can be replaced with an arbitrary configuration exhibiting the same function, Also, an arbitrary configuration may be added.
[0076]
Further, the endoscope of the present invention is not limited to a side-view type endoscope, and can be applied to, for example, a direct-view type, a perspective type, a visual field conversion type, and the like. Further, the endoscope of the present invention is not limited to application to an electronic endoscope, may be applied to an optical endoscope (fiberscope), and is further limited to application to a medical endoscope. Instead, the present invention may be applied to an endoscope used for industrial use.
[0077]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to impart a shape maintaining function to a predetermined portion of the flexible tube of the insertion section while securing the followability of the insertion section flexible tube to the lumen and the elasticity against bending. Can be.
[0078]
For this reason, by appropriately setting the portion to be provided with the shape maintaining function, it becomes easy to fix the flexible tube at the target position in the bent lumen, and for example, various operations such as treatment can be performed more stably. [Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an embodiment in which an endoscope of the present invention is applied to an electronic endoscope (electronic scope).
FIG. 2 is a side view showing a distal end portion of an insertion portion flexible tube provided in the electronic endoscope shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a flexible tube of an insertion portion provided in the electronic endoscope shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method of using the electronic endoscope 1.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining how to use the electronic endoscope 1.
[Explanation of symbols]
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 electronic endoscope 2 insertion portion flexible tube 20 flexible tube portion 21 curved portion 22 rigid portion 24 core material 241 spiral tube 242 mesh tube (braided body)
Reference Signs List 25 outer skin 26 shape maintaining member 6 operating part 61, 62 operating knob 63 treatment tool insertion hole 7 flexible connecting part 8 light source insertion part 81 light source connector 82 image signal connector 9 objective optical system 91 cover glass 92 first Right angle prism 93 Objective lens 94 Second right angle prism 10 Image sensor 11 Illumination cover glass 12 Light guide 13 Treatment tool insertion tube 131 Opening 14 Air supply tube 15 Liquid supply tube 16 Catheter 100 Duodenum 101 Sphere 102 Duodenal horn 103 descending limb 104 lower duodenal horn 105 ascending limb 106 duodenal papilla 200 stomach 201 pylorus 300 jejunum 400 pancreatic duct 500 bile duct

Claims (10)

An endoscope having an insertion portion flexible tube inserted into a lumen, wherein a shape maintaining member for maintaining a curved or bent shape of the insertion portion flexible tube is provided in a longitudinal direction of the insertion portion flexible tube. An endoscope provided in part. The insertion portion flexible tube has a tubular core material, and an outer skin coated on the outer periphery of the core material,
The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the shape maintaining member is provided between the core material and the outer skin. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the shape maintaining member is formed by winding a linear body around an outer periphery of the core material. The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the linear body is spirally wound. The core material has a spiral tube formed by spirally winding a strip material,
The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein a pitch of the linear body is equal to or less than a pitch of the spiral tube. 6. When the pitch of the linear body is P _S [mm] and the pitch of the spiral tube is P _L [mm], P _S / P _L satisfies the relationship of 1/100 to 1. 7. An endoscope according to item 1. The endoscope according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the shape maintaining member is made of a material having a higher hardness than the outer skin. The endoscope according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the shape maintaining member is made of a material having high compatibility with a constituent material of the outer skin. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the shape maintaining member is mainly made of a resin material. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is a side-view type endoscope.

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