US3610231A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Endoscope Download PDF

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Publication number
US3610231A
US3610231A US745472A US3610231DA US3610231A US 3610231 A US3610231 A US 3610231A US 745472 A US745472 A US 745472A US 3610231D A US3610231D A US 3610231DA US 3610231 A US3610231 A US 3610231A
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United States
Prior art keywords
forward end
probe
flexible tube
end portion
tube
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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US745472A
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English (en)
Inventor
Nagashige Takahashi
Teruo Ouchi
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Olympus Corp
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Olympus Optical Co Ltd
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Publication date
Priority claimed from JP6266667U external-priority patent/JPS4810700Y1/ja
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/267—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for the respiratory tract, e.g. laryngoscopes, bronchoscopes
    • A61B1/2676—Bronchoscopes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/005—Flexible endoscopes
    • A61B1/0051—Flexible endoscopes with controlled bending of insertion part
    • A61B1/0052—Constructional details of control elements, e.g. handles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/005—Flexible endoscopes
    • A61B1/0051—Flexible endoscopes with controlled bending of insertion part
    • A61B1/0057—Constructional details of force transmission elements, e.g. control wires
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00163—Optical arrangements
    • A61B1/00165—Optical arrangements with light-conductive means, e.g. fibre optics
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/06—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
    • A61B1/07—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements using light-conductive means, e.g. optical fibres

Definitions

  • the en doscope is provided with an observation optical system, an il- Iuminating optical system and a control mechanism for flexing the forward end portion together with a pharmaceutical liquid injecting tube, a forceps conducting tube and a suction tube for sucking unwanted matter in the bronchi therefrom all in combination in compact form in the forward end portion ENDOSCOPE 1 without increasing the outer diameter of the forward end por- 4 Claims, 12 Drawing Figs. 0m
  • a stay means made of a resilient, relatively stiff wire is ⁇ 51 1 Int. Cl A6lb 1/06 Pmvidsd longitudinally adjacent to the inner wall of the flexi- 123 4 5 6y ble tube section of the forward end portion.
  • the both ends of 7 9 2; 95 1' 5; 138/120 the stay means are fixedly secured to the inner wall of the flex- I ible tube section at its forward and rearward ends so that the [56] References Cited stay means serves as a backbone to prevent the flexible tube UMT STATES PATENTS section from being unduly contracted as a whole while the flexibility of the flexible tube section is maintained.
  • the present invention relates to a novel and useful endoscope particularly adapted to be used for the inspection of the bronchi of a human body or the like having very narrow and tortuous paths having different radii of curvature.
  • the present invention also relates to a novel and useful flexible tube assembly adapted to be incorporated in the forward end portion of the endoscope of the type described above which is to be inserted into he bronchi smoothly without injuring the inner,wall of the bronchi.
  • the diameters of the forward end portion and the'elongated flexible tube of an endoscope for the inspection ofthe bronchi ofa human body or the like must be very small such as the diameter of5.0 mm. or 5.5 mm. for the inspection of the deeper portion in the bronchi in comparison with commonly used endoscopes provided with the forward end portion having the diameter of aboutl2 mm. for the in.- spection of the gullet or the stomach or the like.
  • an endoscope for the inspection of the bronchi to-incorporate therein not only an observation optical system such s an objective lens system and a fiber optical system but also an illuminating optical system for illuminating the object to be inspected, a pharmaceutical liquid injection tube for injecting a pharmaceutical liquid such as an anesthetic into the bronchi, a forceps conducting tube for inserting the forceps into the bronchi so as to collect the sample tissues to be inspected during the observation of the object, a suction tube for sucking unwanted matter such as phlegm out of the bronchi, and string means for adjustably flexing the forward end portion of the endoscope in desired direction.
  • an observation optical system such s an objective lens system and a fiber optical system
  • an illuminating optical system for illuminating the object to be inspected
  • a pharmaceutical liquid injection tube for injecting a pharmaceutical liquid such as an anesthetic into the bronchi
  • a forceps conducting tube for inserting the forceps into the bronchi
  • the reasons for the above facts are as follows.
  • the suction tube for sucking the unwanted matter such as phlegm form the bronchi cannot be made too small because the phlegm has a certain viscosity making it difficult to smoothly suck the phlegm through the tube. If the wall thickness of the suction tube is made too thin in order to increase the inner diameter of the tube, then the tube tends to be easily collapsed in the region of the forward end portion of the endoscope when it is bent for the smooth insertion thereof into the bronchi thereby causing the tube to be blocked.
  • the mechanism for effecting the bending of the forward end portion of the endoscope requires relatively greater space thereby preventing the mechanism from being compactly incorporated in the forward end portion having a very limited diameter.
  • the present invention aims at avoiding the above disadvantages of the prior art and providing a novel and useful endoscope especially for inspecting the bronchi of a human body or the like and a novel and useful flexible tube assembly to be incorporated in the forward end portion of the endoscope.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a novel and useful endoscope for the inspection of the bronchi of a human body or the like which avoids the above-described disad vantages of the prior art endoscope.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel and useful endoscope of the type described above in which an observation optical system, an illuminating optical system and a mechanism including string means for effecting the bending of the forward end portion of the endoscope for facilitating the smooth insertion thereof into the bronchi are compactly incorporated in the forward end portion of the endoscope having a very limited diameter such as 5.0 mm. or 5.5 mm.
  • the forward end portion of the endoscope In order to smoothly insert the forward end portion of the endoscope into the bronchi, it is desired to permit the forward end portion of the endoscope to be bent not only in any desired direction but also to different radii of curvature so as to conform the flexure of the forward end portion with different curvatures of the bronchi.
  • further object of the present invention is to provide a novel and useful flexible tube assembly particularly adapted to be incorporated in the forward end portion of an ,endoscope which can be bent not only in any desired direction but also to different radii of curvature of the flexure of the forward end portion 'of the endoscope so as to facilitate the smooth insertion thereof into the bronchi having narrow and tortuous paths of different curvatures.
  • the forward end portion of the endoscope constructed in accordance with the present invention comprises a flexible tube section such as a coarsely helically coiled strip forming a tube and two or more string means with the forward ends thereof being secured to the forward end of the flexible tube section and with the rearward ends thereof extending through the flexible tube section and being secured to a control mechanism in a control housing of the endoscope connected to the forward end portion through an elongated flexible tube through which the string means extend so that the flexible tube section can be bent in any desired direction by pulling the selected one or more of the string means .by the selective operation of the control mechanism.
  • a flexible tube section such as a coarsely helically coiled strip forming a tube and two or more string means with the forward ends thereof being secured to the forward end of the flexible tube section and with the rearward ends thereof extending through the flexible tube section and being secured to a control mechanism in a control housing of the endoscope connected to the forward end portion through an elongated flexible tube through which the string means extend so that the
  • a stay means is provided in the flexible tube section which is of a resilient, relatively stiff nature and extends longitudinally in the the flexible tube section adjacent to the inner wall thereof with the respective ends of the stay means being secured to the forward and rearward ends of the flexible tube section, respectively, so that the stay means serves as a backbone of the flexible tube section to prevent the flexible tube section from being unduly contracted as a whole by the actuation of the string means while the flexibility of the flexible tube section is maintained.
  • the flexible tube section can be bent in any desired direction by selectively pulling one or more of the string means by different amounts by means of the control mechanism.
  • a noncontractable pipe such as a tightly coiled wire forming a pipe is slidably fitted on each of the string means with the rearward end of each of the noncontractable pipes being flxed to stationary points in the control housing while the forward ends thereof terminate in the region of the flexible tube section and are secured to the inner wall thereof so that the movement of each of the string means relative to the noncontractable pipe slidably fitted thereon at the rearward end thereof as given by the operation of the control mechanism is exactly transmitted to the forward end portion of the string means relative to the forward end of the noncontractable pipes, thereby permitting the flexible tube section to be flexed exactly as determined by the operation of the control mechanism
  • only a pair of string means each having a noncontractable pipe slidably fitted thereon are provided together with a stay means in like manner as described above each of the string means being arranged at opposite sides of the stay means in substantially symmetrical relationship to each
  • FIG. I is a general side view showing the endoscope constructed in accordance with one feature of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side view of the endoscope shown in FIG. I as viewed from the right in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the various elements incorporated in the endoscope shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the mechanism for effecting the bending of the forward end portion of the endoscope shown in FIG. I;
  • FIG. 5 is a plan view of the forward end plate provided at the forward end of the forward end portion of the endoscope shown in FIG. I as seen from the rear side thereof;
  • FIG. 6 is a view showing the manner in which the forward end portion of the endoscope is bent in different directions by the selective actuation of the-string means incorporated in the mechanism for effecting the'bending of the forward end portion ofthe endoscope;
  • FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view showing the forward end of the forceps conducting tube around which a helically coiled strip is secured so as to prevent the forward end of the tube from being collapsed when the tube is bent;
  • FIG. 8 is a front end view showing the forward end plate provided with various elements for the operation of the endoscope
  • FIG. 9 is a view showing the manner in which the forward end portion of the endoscope is inserted into the bronchi ofa human body
  • FIG. I0 is a longitudinal sectional view of the forward end portion of an endoscope constructed in accordance with another feature of the present invention.
  • FIG. II is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 11-11 in FIG. I0;
  • FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 10.
  • FIGS. I and 2 show an embodiment of the egdoscope constructed in accordance with one feature of thepresai'fihvention.
  • the endoscope comprises a control housing I, an elongated flexible tube 2 and a forward end portion 3.
  • the control housing 1 is connected to the rearward end of the elongated flexible tube 2 around which gripping-means 4 is provided for easy handling of the endoscope while the forward end of the elongated flexible tube 2 is connected to the forward end portion 3.
  • the forward end portion 3 together with the elongated flexible tube 2 is adapted to be inserted into the bronchi of a human body or the like so as to inspect the desired portion of the bronchi as described hereinbelow. As shown in FIG.
  • an objective lens system 5 is provided in a viewing window of the forward end portion 3 so that the light from an object to be inspected is'received through the viewing window by the objective lens system 5 to thereby form an image of the object in the forward end portion 3v
  • An image transmitting optical system 6 such as a fiber optical system extends from the forward end portion 3 through the elongated flexible tube 2 to the control housing 1.
  • the forward end of the image-transmitting fiber optical sy stern is located in the forwarde'iid portion Sin opposin g r el'at'fin'to the objective lens system 5 in alignment therewith so that the image of the object is focused on the forward end of the image-transmitting optical system 6 thereby permitting the image to be transmitted through the image transmitting optical system 6 to the rearward end thereof.
  • An ocular means 7 is provided in the control housing I which is located in 0p posing relation to the rearward end of the image-transmitting optical system 6 in alignment therewith so that the image of the object thus transmitting to the rearward end of the imagetransmitting optical system 6 is viewed through the ocular means 7.
  • An illuminating f ber optical system 8 extends from the forward en'dpo'rtion 3 through the elongated flexible tube 2 to the control housing with the forward end thereof being in alignment with an illuminating window provided in the forward end portion 3 while the rearward end thereof being in alignment with an illuminating window provided in the forward end portion 3 while the rearward end thereof terminates in a mounting 8a provided in the control housing I.
  • a light source may be connected to the mounting 8a preferably through a further fiber optical system provided with a mating connecting member (not shown) for the mounting 88 at the outer end thereof so that, when the light source is connected to the mounting 8a and energized, the light from the light source is received by the rearward end of the illuminating fiber optical system 8 and transmitted therethrough to the forward end thereof thereby permitting the thus transmitted light to be emitted from the forward end of the illuminating fiber optical system 8 through the illuminating window in the forward end portion 3 so as to illuminate the image to be inspected.
  • a forceps conducting tube 9 and a pharmaceutical liquid injecting tube 10 also extend from the forward end of the forward end portion 3 through the elongated flexible tube 2 to the control housing I with the rearward end of the forceps conducting tube 9 terminating at an opening 90 provided in the control housing 1 while the rearward end of the pharmaceutical liquid injecting tube 10 terminates at an opening 10a also provided in the control housing I.
  • the forceps (not shown) are inserted from the opening 90 into the forceps conducting tube 9 therethrough so as to be projected from the forward end of the forward end portion 3 thereby permitting the forceps to be manipulated from the exterior of the control housing 1 during the observation of the object by means of the observation optical system in order to collect the sample tissues necessary for the inspection from the bronchi into which the forward end portion 3 is inserted while the pharmaceutical liquid such as the anesthetic which is required for the inspection or the surgical operation of the bronchi can be supplied from a pharmaceutical liquid supply source (not shown) connected to the opening 10a through the pharmaceutical liquid injecting tube 10 to the forward end thercofso that the pharmaceutical liquid is injected into the bronchi.
  • a pharmaceutical liquid supply source (not shown) connected to the opening 10a through the pharmaceutical liquid injecting tube 10 to the forward end thercofso that the pharmaceutical liquid is injected into the bronchi.
  • the forceps conducting tube 9 is provided with a suction tube I1 branched from the forceps conducting tube 9 in the control housing I and terminating at an opening Ila which is provided in control housing 1.
  • Means for closing the forceps conducting tube 9 such as a shutter blade 12 is provided in the tube 9 at a position intermediate the rearwardend of the tube 9 and the position at which the suction tube 11 is branched from the tube 9.
  • a knob 12a for manually actuating the shutter blade 12 is attached thereto and projects outwardly from the control housing 1 so that the shutter blade 12 is opened and closed by the manual operation of the knob 12a.
  • a suction device may be connected to the opening 11a when unwanted matter such as phlegm in the bronchi should be removed from the bronchi into which the forward end portion 3 of the endoscope is inserted. ln this case, the forceps are withdrawn from the endoscope and the shutter blade 12 is moved to its closed position by the operation of the knob 120.
  • the unwanted nlutter such as the phlegm in the bronchi can be taken out from the bronchi through the forceps conducting tube 9 and the suction tube 11 by the sucking action of the suction device connected to the opening 11a.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 show one embodiment of the mechanism for controlling the bending of the forward end portion 3 of the endoscope.
  • the forward end portion 3 comprises a forward endplate 14, a rearward end 15 such as an annular ring and a flexible tube section 13 such as a coarsely helically coiled steel strip forming a tubelike shape which flexible connected the forward end plate 14 and the rearward end 15.
  • the forward end plate 14 is provided with the viewing window with which the objective lens system 5 in the forward end portion 3 is located in alignment, the illuminating fiber optical system 6 is located in alignment, opening connected to the forward end of the forceps conducting tube 9 and an opening connected to the forward end of the pharmaceutical liquid injecting tube 10.
  • a stay means 16 such as a resilient, relatively stiffwire extends longitudinally along the inner wall of the flexible tube section 13 adjacent thereto.
  • forward end 160 of the stay means 16 is connected to the forward end plate 14 while the rearward end 16b of the stay means 16 is fixedly connected to the forward end of the elongated flexible tube 2 adjacent to the rearward end 15 of the forward end portion 3 so that the stay means 16 serves as a backbone of the flexible tube section 13 of the forward end portion 3 to prevent the flexible tube section 13 from being unduly contracted as a whole when it is subjected to an external force tending to contract the flexible tube section 13 while it is allowed to be bent thereby.
  • a pair of strings 17, 18 extend from the forward end portion 3 through the elongated flexible tube 2 to the control housing l.
  • the forward ends 17a 18a of the strings 17,18 are connected to the forward end plate 14 at positions opposite to each other with respect to the position at which the forward end 16a of the stay means 16 is connected to the forward end plate 14.
  • Further string 19 extends from the forward end portion 3 through the elongated tube 2 to the control housing 1.
  • the forward end 19a of the string 19 is connected to the forward end plate 14 at a position substantially diametrically opposite to the position at which the forward end 160 of the stay means 16 is connected to the forward end plate 14.
  • a control mechanism comprising two manually rotatable discs 20, 21 having the common axis of rotation 22 is provided in the control housing 1.
  • Either of the discs 20,21 may be provided with projections 200 and/or 210 (only the projection 20a is shown) respectively, which project from the control housing 1 so as to be manually actuated selectively so that either or both of the discs 20, 21 are rotated.
  • the outer periphery of each of the discs 20,21 is provided with a knurled surface a part of which projects from the control housing 1 thereby permitting either or both ofthe discs 20,21 to be manually rotated selectively by means of the knurled surfaces of the discs 20, 21.
  • the rearward ends 17!; 18b of thepair of strings 17, 18 are connected to the disc 20 at positions diametrically opposite to each other so that the manual rotation of the disc 20 in one direction causes one of the strings 17, 18 to be pulled while the other of the strings 17, 18 is loosened and vice versa.
  • the rearward end 1912 of the further string 19 is connected to the disc 21 so that the string 19 is pulled by the manual rotation of the disc 21 in one direction.
  • Brake means 23, 24 such as friction pads may be provided for the discs 20, 21, respectively so that the discs 20, 21 are frictionally held at their adjusted positions.
  • Noncontractable pipes 25, 26 and 27 such as tightly coiled wires forming pipes extend through the elongated flexible tube 2 and are slidably fitted on the strings 17, 18 and 19, respectively, with the rearward ends 25a 26a and 27a thereof being fixedly secured to stationary points in the control housing 1 while the forward ends of the pipes 25, 26 and 27 terminate at the rearward end 15 of the forward end portion 3 of the endoscope and secured thereto, so that the movement of the strings 17, 18 and 19 relative to the noncontractable pipes 25, 26 and 27, respectively, as given at the respective rearward ends of the strings 17, 18 and 29 by the operation of the control mechanism can be exactly transmitted to the forward ends ofthe strings 17, 18 and 19 relative to the respective forward ends of pipes 25, 26 and 17, respectively.
  • the forward end portion 3 can be bent towar the right as viewed in FIGS. 5 and 6 by pulling only the string 19 by the manual operation of the disc 21 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 4.
  • the string 17 is pulled while the string 18 is loosened so that the forward end portion 3 is bent in the direction shown by the arrow a in FIG. 6.
  • the forward end portion 3 is bent in the direction, the forward end portion 3 is bent in the direction shown by the arrow bin FIG. 6.
  • the forward end portion 3 can be bent in any direction within a predetermined solid angle determined by the flexure of the flexible tube section 13 by selectively actuating the strings 17, 18 and 19 by means of the control mechanism.
  • the stay means 16 serves as a backbone to prevent the flexible section 13 from being unduly contracted as a whole by the actuation of the strings 17, 18 and 19 while the flexibility of the forward end portion 3 is maintained.
  • the brake means 23, 24 frictionally hold the discs 20, 21 in their adjusted positions, respectively, thereby facilitating the inspection of the bronchi by the endoscope.
  • the forceps can be inserted into he forceps conducting tube 9 before or after the forward end portion 3 is inserted in the bronchi for the manipulation of the forceps during the inspection of the object by means of the observation optical system comprising the objective lens system 5, the image-transmitting fiber optical system 6 and the ocular means 7.
  • the pharmac'eutical liquid such as anesthetic can also be injected into the bronchi through the pharmaceutical liquid injecting tube 10. Further, unwanted matter such as phlegm in the bronchi can be sucked therefrom through the forceps conducting tube 9 and the suction tube 11 by connecting the suction device to the opening of the suction tube 11 after the forceps are withdrawn from the forceps conducting tube 9 and the shutter blade 12 is moved to its closed position.
  • a thin-walled coarsely coiled strip 28 such as helically wound steel strip may be provided around the portion adjacent to the forward end of the tube 9 in the region in the forward end portion 3 of the endoscope.
  • the helically would strip 28 can be fixedly embedded in the outer surface of the tube 9 by appropriately heating the tube 9 after the strip 28 is wound around the tube 9.
  • HO. 9 shows the manner how the forward end portion of the endoscope in accordance with the present invention is inserted in the bronchi ofa human body by the operation of the control mechanism of the endoscope as described above.
  • the above-described construction of the endoscope in accordance with the present invention enables the various elements necessary for the inspection and surgical operation of the bronchi or the like to be compactly housed in the forward end portion of the endoscope having very small diameter such as 5.0 mm. or 5.5 mm. so that the forward end portion of the endoscope can be easily and smoothly inserted into the deep internal portion of the bronchi by virtue of the convenient manipulation afforded by the control mechanism of the present invention without injuring the inner wall of the bronchi through which the forward end portion of the endoscope in inserted and various operation necessary for the inspection and the surgical operation of the bronchi can be freely carried out.
  • FIGS. .0 to 12 show another embodiment of the flexible tube assembly adapted to be incorporated in the forward end portion of the endoscope constructed in accordance with the present invention. 1
  • the forward end portion of the en doscope By this construction of the forward end portion of the en doscope, the forward end portion can be bent not only in any desired direction but also to different radii of curvature by the selective actuation of the string means connecting the flexible tube section of the forward end portion of the endoscope to the control mechanism in the control housing through the elongated flexible tube by the operation of the control mechanism.
  • the forward end portion of the endoscope comprises a forward end section I and a flexible tube section II.
  • a lens barrel 30 mounting therein a cover glass 31 and an objective lens system 32 is secured in the forward end section I.
  • a coarsely helically coiled strip 33 forming a flexible tube such as that made of thin steel strip or steel wire constitutes the flexible tube section II.
  • the forward end of the helically coiled strip 33 is connected to he rearward end of the lens barrel 30 while the rearward end of the helically coiled strip 33 is connected to the elongated flexible tube designated by the reference numeral 111.
  • the imagetransmitting optical system 34 such as a fiber optical system extends from the forward end section I through the flexible tube section II and the elongated flexible tube Ill toward the control housing (not shown) as in the case of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8.
  • the forward end 34a of the fiber optical system 34 is located in the lens barrel 30 behind the objective lens system 32 spaced an appropriate distance therefrom in alignment therewith so that an image of the object to be inspected is focused on the forward end 340 by means of the objective lens system 32.
  • Their'nage of the object is transmitted through the fiber optical system 34 to the rearward end thereof (not shown) provided in the control housing as in the case of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8.
  • Illuminating fiber optical systems 35 (FIG.
  • the illuminating fiber optical systems 35 are illuminated by a light source (not shown) so that the light is transmitted through the fiber optical systems 35 to the forward ends thereof thereby permitting the light to be emitted thereof thereby permitting the light to be emitted therefrom so as to illuminate the object as in the case of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8.
  • the illuminating optical systems 35 can be replaced by lamp means located in the forward end section I to which the electric power is supplied through lead wire means extending from the control housing.
  • a forceps conducting tube also serving as a suction tube
  • a pharmaceutical liquid injection tube can also be incorporated in the endoscope of FIG. as in the case of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8.
  • a pliant sheath 36 such that comprises of a plastic tube and a fine tubular metallic netting fitted in the plastic tube or embedded therein so as to watertightly keep the assembly.
  • a staymeans 37 such as a resilient, relatively stiff steel wire is provided longitudinally in the flexible tube section 11 adjacent to the inner wall thereof.
  • the forward end 370 of the stay means 37 is secured to the rearward end of the lens barrel 30 while the rearward end 37b of the stay means 37 is secured to the rearward end of the flexible tube section 11 so that the flexible tube section II is prevented from being unduly contracted as a whole by virtue of the provisions of the stay means 37 serving as a backbone of the flexible tube section 11 while the flexiblity of the flexible tube section 11 is maintained.
  • a pair of strings 38, 39 extend from the forward end section I through the flexible tube section II and the elongated flexible tube Illtoward the control housing with the forward ends 380, 39a of the strings 38, 39 being secured to the lens barrel 30 as shown.
  • the location of the strings 38, 39 is such that they are located opposite to each other with respect to the stay means 37 spaced therefrom in cross section of the flexible tube section 11 as shown in FIG. 11 in substantially symmetrical relationship to each other with an angle A being formed between two lines connecting the center of the stay means 37 and the centers of the respective strings 38, 39 in cross section of the flexible tube section II as shown in FIG. 11.
  • the angle A may be either an obtuse angle or an acute angle, preferably an angle other than 180.
  • the rearward ends ofthe strings 38, 39 are connected to a control mechanism (not shown) provided in the control housing so that either one or both of the strings 38, 39 can be selectively pulled by the operation of the control mechanism.
  • noncontractable pipes 40, 41 such as tightly helically coiled wires forming the pipes extend through the elongated flexible tube Ill and are slidably fitted on the strings 38, 39, respectively.
  • the rearward ends of the noncontractable pipes 40, 41 are fixedly secured to stationary points in the control housing (not shown) so that the movement of the strings 38, 39 relative to their pipes 40, 41 at the rearward ends of the pipes 40, 41 as given by the operation of the control mechanism can be exactly transmitted to the forward end portions of the strings 38, 39 at the forward ends of the pipes 40, 41 relative thereto.
  • FIG. 12 shows that the movement of the strings 38, 39 relative to their pipes 40, 41 at the rearward ends of the pipes 40, 41 as given by the operation of the control mechanism can be exactly transmitted to the forward end portions of the strings 38, 39 at the forward ends of the pipes 40, 41 relative thereto.
  • the forward end 40a of the pipe 40 terminates at a position intermediate forward and rearward ends of the flexible tube section II and secured to the inner wall of the flexible tube section II thereat while the forward end 41a of the pipe 41 terminates at a position adjacent to the rearward end of the flexible tube section II and secured to the inner wall of the flexible tube section II thereat.
  • the string 38 extends freely without being covered by the pipe 40 the distance lla between the rearward end of the lens barrel 30 and the forward end 400 of the pipe 40 while the string 39 extends freely without being covered by the pipe 41 the distance 1117 which is greater than the distance Ila between the rearward end of the lens barrel 30 and the forward end 410 of the pipe 41.
  • the actuation of the string 38 causes the length Ila of the flexible tube section II to be contracted while the actuation of the string 39 causes the length llb of the flexible tube section II to be contracted.
  • the flexible tube section ll can be bent in any desired direction within the angle A as viewed in the cross section of the flexible tube section ll with the radius of curvature of the flexure of the flexible tube section ll being made intermediate the radii of curvature obtained when the respective strings 38 and 39 are pulled separately.
  • An improved control mechanism for use in an endoscope which includes a control housing, an elongated flexible tube extending from said housing, a flexible tubular probe provided at the front end of said tube an objective lens system in said probe, ocular means in said housing, means for transmitting an image from said objective lens system through said tube to said ocular means, a combined forceps conducting and suction tube extending from said housing through said tube to said probe, a medication injecting tube extending from the housing through said tube to the probe, and illuminating means provided at the probe, said improved control mechanism comprising a single resiliently bendable but noncontractable stay extending longitudinally along only one side of said tubular probe, said stay having a front end secured to the front end of the probe and a rear end secured to said tube at the rear end of the probe so that the stay permits lateral bending of the probe in all radial planes but prevents longitudinal contraction thereof as a whole, and control means provided in said housing and including at least two strings passing through said flexible tube into said probe, the front ends of said
  • control means also includes a third string passing through said flexible tube into said probe and having its front end secured t the front end of the probe at a point spaced from the front ends of the first-mentioned strings and of said stay.

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US745472A 1967-07-21 1968-07-17 Endoscope Expired - Lifetime US3610231A (en)

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JP6266667U JPS4810700Y1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1967-07-21 1967-07-21
JP8101367 1967-09-22

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Cited By (110)

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US3799152A (en) * 1972-08-21 1974-03-26 S Kim Flexible and expandable esophagoscope
US3892228A (en) * 1972-10-06 1975-07-01 Olympus Optical Co Apparatus for adjusting the flexing of the bending section of an endoscope
US3897775A (en) * 1973-09-07 1975-08-05 Olympus Optical Co Endoscope with facile bending operation
US3913568A (en) * 1973-01-22 1975-10-21 American Optical Corp Nasopharyngoscope
US3963323A (en) * 1974-12-23 1976-06-15 International Telephone And Telegraph Corporation Fiber optic connector with protective cable sleeves
USD248664S (en) 1976-04-22 1978-07-25 Nagashige Takahashi Endoscope
US4198960A (en) * 1977-01-31 1980-04-22 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Apparatus for removing a foreign matter having individually operable trapping and flexing wires, a central channel for illumination, suction and injection and a laterally disposed bore for feeding fluids
FR2445717A1 (fr) * 1979-01-08 1980-08-01 American Optical Corp Fibroscope
EP0025969A1 (en) * 1979-09-25 1981-04-01 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. A structure including a light-receiving end portion of an endoscope light guide
US4315509A (en) * 1977-01-10 1982-02-16 Smit Julie A Insertion and removal catheters and intestinal tubes for restricting absorption
EP0069776A4 (en) * 1981-01-21 1983-06-17 Hughes Aircraft Co Fiber optic assembly, and method of mounting
US4409993A (en) * 1980-07-23 1983-10-18 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Endoscope apparatus
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US4577621A (en) * 1984-12-03 1986-03-25 Patel Jayendrakumar I Endoscope having novel proximate and distal portions
US4640124A (en) * 1984-02-16 1987-02-03 Richard Wolf Gmbh Tecnoscopes
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US4669818A (en) * 1981-01-21 1987-06-02 Hughes Aircraft Company Miniature window
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US4745908A (en) * 1987-05-08 1988-05-24 Circon Corporation Inspection instrument fexible shaft having deflection compensation means
US4748969A (en) * 1987-05-07 1988-06-07 Circon Corporation Multi-lumen core deflecting endoscope
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US4784132A (en) * 1983-03-25 1988-11-15 Fox Kenneth R Method of and apparatus for laser treatment of body lumens
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US4962751A (en) * 1989-05-30 1990-10-16 Welch Allyn, Inc. Hydraulic muscle pump
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US5041108A (en) * 1981-12-11 1991-08-20 Pillco Limited Partnership Method for laser treatment of body lumens
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Cited By (179)

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US3776222A (en) * 1971-12-23 1973-12-04 Lurosso A Fiber optic entubator and method of entubation of the trachea through the nasopharynx
US3799152A (en) * 1972-08-21 1974-03-26 S Kim Flexible and expandable esophagoscope
US3892228A (en) * 1972-10-06 1975-07-01 Olympus Optical Co Apparatus for adjusting the flexing of the bending section of an endoscope
US3913568A (en) * 1973-01-22 1975-10-21 American Optical Corp Nasopharyngoscope
US3897775A (en) * 1973-09-07 1975-08-05 Olympus Optical Co Endoscope with facile bending operation
US3963323A (en) * 1974-12-23 1976-06-15 International Telephone And Telegraph Corporation Fiber optic connector with protective cable sleeves
USD248664S (en) 1976-04-22 1978-07-25 Nagashige Takahashi Endoscope
US4315509A (en) * 1977-01-10 1982-02-16 Smit Julie A Insertion and removal catheters and intestinal tubes for restricting absorption
US4198960A (en) * 1977-01-31 1980-04-22 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Apparatus for removing a foreign matter having individually operable trapping and flexing wires, a central channel for illumination, suction and injection and a laterally disposed bore for feeding fluids
FR2445717A1 (fr) * 1979-01-08 1980-08-01 American Optical Corp Fibroscope
EP0025969A1 (en) * 1979-09-25 1981-04-01 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. A structure including a light-receiving end portion of an endoscope light guide
US4409993A (en) * 1980-07-23 1983-10-18 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Endoscope apparatus
EP0069776A4 (en) * 1981-01-21 1983-06-17 Hughes Aircraft Co Fiber optic assembly, and method of mounting
US4669818A (en) * 1981-01-21 1987-06-02 Hughes Aircraft Company Miniature window
US4483326A (en) * 1981-04-21 1984-11-20 Kabushiki Kaisha Medos Kenkyusho Curvature control mechanism in endoscopes
US4800876A (en) * 1981-12-11 1989-01-31 Fox Kenneth R Method of and apparatus for laser treatment of body lumens
US4848336A (en) * 1981-12-11 1989-07-18 Fox Kenneth R Apparatus for laser treatment of body lumens
US5041108A (en) * 1981-12-11 1991-08-20 Pillco Limited Partnership Method for laser treatment of body lumens
US4784132A (en) * 1983-03-25 1988-11-15 Fox Kenneth R Method of and apparatus for laser treatment of body lumens
US4640124A (en) * 1984-02-16 1987-02-03 Richard Wolf Gmbh Tecnoscopes
US4708434A (en) * 1984-05-30 1987-11-24 Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Fiberscope with bending mechanism
AU573833B2 (en) * 1984-05-30 1988-06-23 Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Fibrescope with bending mechanism
US4577621A (en) * 1984-12-03 1986-03-25 Patel Jayendrakumar I Endoscope having novel proximate and distal portions
US4696544A (en) * 1985-11-18 1987-09-29 Olympus Corporation Fiberscopic device for inspection of internal sections of construction, and method for using same
US4659195A (en) * 1986-01-31 1987-04-21 American Hospital Supply Corporation Engine inspection system
US4688555A (en) * 1986-04-25 1987-08-25 Circon Corporation Endoscope with cable compensating mechanism
US4685457A (en) * 1986-08-29 1987-08-11 Donenfeld Roger F Endotracheal tube and method of intubation
US4905666A (en) * 1987-03-27 1990-03-06 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Bending device for an endoscope
US4841950A (en) * 1987-03-27 1989-06-27 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Bending device for an endoscope
US4748969A (en) * 1987-05-07 1988-06-07 Circon Corporation Multi-lumen core deflecting endoscope
US4745908A (en) * 1987-05-08 1988-05-24 Circon Corporation Inspection instrument fexible shaft having deflection compensation means
US4762119A (en) * 1987-07-28 1988-08-09 Welch Allyn, Inc. Self-adjusting steering mechanism for borescope or endoscope
US4796607A (en) * 1987-07-28 1989-01-10 Welch Allyn, Inc. Endoscope steering section
US4790294A (en) * 1987-07-28 1988-12-13 Welch Allyn, Inc. Ball-and-socket bead endoscope steering section
US4762118A (en) * 1987-07-28 1988-08-09 Welch Allyn, Inc. Self-adjusting steering mechanism for borescope, endoscope, or guide tube
US4787369A (en) * 1987-08-14 1988-11-29 Welch Allyn, Inc. Force relieving, force limiting self-adjusting steering for borescope or endoscope
US4794912A (en) * 1987-08-17 1989-01-03 Welch Allyn, Inc. Borescope or endoscope with fluid dynamic muscle
US4962751A (en) * 1989-05-30 1990-10-16 Welch Allyn, Inc. Hydraulic muscle pump
US4989581A (en) * 1990-06-01 1991-02-05 Welch Allyn, Inc. Torsional strain relief for borescope
US5125395A (en) * 1990-09-12 1992-06-30 Adair Edwin Lloyd Deflectable sheath for optical catheter
US7866526B2 (en) * 1991-10-18 2011-01-11 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Apparatus for applying surgical fasteners to body tissue
WO1993023111A1 (en) * 1992-05-21 1993-11-25 Applied Medical Resources Corporation Steerable endoscope with buckling element
US5325845A (en) * 1992-06-08 1994-07-05 Adair Edwin Lloyd Steerable sheath for use with selected removable optical catheter
US5472017A (en) * 1992-11-17 1995-12-05 Life Medical Technologies, Inc. Deflectable catheter
US5549542A (en) * 1992-11-17 1996-08-27 Life Medical Technologies, Inc. Deflectable endoscope
WO1994010897A1 (en) * 1992-11-17 1994-05-26 Omega Universal Limited Deflectable medical instrument
DE4417637A1 (de) * 1994-05-19 1995-11-23 Rudolf Dr Med Bertagnoli Instrument zur perkutanen Behandlung von Gewebeteilen
US8323304B2 (en) 1994-06-29 2012-12-04 Covidien Lp Extraluminal balloon dissection
US8062323B2 (en) 1994-06-29 2011-11-22 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Extraluminal balloon dissection
US8016850B2 (en) 1994-06-29 2011-09-13 General Surgical Innovations, Inc. Extraluminal balloon dissection
US20060106414A1 (en) * 1994-06-29 2006-05-18 General Surgical Innovations, Inc. Extraluminal balloon dissection
US20080097507A1 (en) * 1994-06-29 2008-04-24 Fogarty Thomas J Extraluminal balloon dissection
US7314475B2 (en) * 1994-06-29 2008-01-01 General Surgical Innovations, Inc. Extraluminal balloon dissection
US5666970A (en) * 1995-05-02 1997-09-16 Heart Rhythm Technologies, Inc. Locking mechanism for catheters
US5681280A (en) * 1995-05-02 1997-10-28 Heart Rhythm Technologies, Inc. Catheter control system
US5741320A (en) * 1995-05-02 1998-04-21 Heart Rhythm Technologies, Inc. Catheter control system having a pulley
US5960145A (en) * 1997-01-21 1999-09-28 Sanchez; Jorge O. Optical fiber image conduit and method using same
US5803898A (en) * 1997-05-05 1998-09-08 Bashour; Charles Allen Intubation system
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