Endoscope with removable distal end

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a multi-camera endoscope with a removable tip.

Endoscopes are widely used in the medical community as a means of performing surgery with minimal patient trauma while allowing doctors to see the internal structure of a patient. In recent years, numerous endoscopes have been developed and classified for specific applications (eg, cystoscopy, colonoscopy, laparoscopy, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy). The endoscope can be inserted through an opening that is inherent in the human body, or through a skin incision.

The endoscope is usually an elongated hollow shaft, rigid or flexible, with one or more camcorders or fiber optic lens assemblies located at the distal end or one or more camcorders or fiber optics. The lens assembly is further rearranged (eg, proximal to or near the lateral surface area of the tip) and faces laterally. The shaft is connected to the handle. The handle may include an eyepiece for changing the viewing direction. Alternatively, it is often possible to visually recognize it via an external screen. A variety of surgical instruments can be inserted through working channels within the endoscope to perform different surgical procedures.

The disadvantages of existing endoscopes are that the field of view is limited and that all the necessary elements (electronic elements) are packed together with the fluid transport element in the tip of a small endoscope. In addition, different endoscopic structures and functions may be required in different surgeries (eg, different conditions or different subjects).

Therefore, in the field of endoscopy (for example, colonoscopy), there is a need for an endoscope that enables a wider field of view and functions of all necessary elements in the tip portion.

The above examples of related fields and related restricted examples are exemplary and not exclusive. Those skilled in the art will recall other examples of restrictions in the relevant field upon reading this specification and drawings.

One aspect of the disclosure relates to an endoscope. The endoscope includes an elongated shaft that terminates at the tip. The tip includes: A permanent portion connected to the elongated shaft and a removable portion that can be fixedly connected to the permanent portion. The removable portion includes one or more capture devices and one or more light sources. In some embodiments of the endoscope, the capture device within the removable portion comprises a forward facing camera. In some embodiments of the endoscope, the capture device within the removable portion comprises a side-facing camera. In some embodiments of the endoscope, the capture device in the removable portion includes a front-facing camera and a side-facing camera. In some embodiments of the endoscope, the permanent portion comprises one or more capture devices. In some embodiments, the capture device within the permanent section comprises a side-facing camera. In some embodiments of the endoscope, the tip includes a distal surface, the permanent portion forms part of the distal surface, and the removable portion is a separate portion of the distal surface. Form the part of. In some embodiments of the endoscope, the tip includes a distal surface, which is entirely included in the removable portion. In some embodiments of the endoscope, the permanent portion comprises a hollow elongated portion. The hollow elongated portion protrudes from the permanent portion. The removable portion includes a channel. The channel is configured to be continuous with the hollow elongated portion, thereby providing a working channel into which the surgical instrument is inserted. In some embodiments of the endoscope, the removable portion comprises a hollow elongated portion. The hollow elongated portion projects from the removable portion. The permanent portion includes a channel. The channel is configured to be continuous with the hollow elongated portion, thereby providing a working channel into which the surgical instrument is inserted. In some embodiments of the endoscope, the removable portion comprises an elongated portion. The strip is configured to pass through a cable for electrical or data signals, and the strip, along with a first connector. Terminate. The permanent portion includes a recess. The recess is configured to send electrical and / or data signals. The recess includes a second connector. The second connector can be connected to the first connector. In some embodiments of the endoscope, the removable portion comprises a first optical fiber and a first lens. The permanent portion includes a second optical fiber and a second lens in such a manner that the first lens corresponds to the second lens, thereby causing the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber. Allows light transfer between. In some embodiments of the endoscope, the permanent portion comprises an elongated portion. The strip is configured to carry a cable for electrical or data signals. The elongated portion terminates with the first connector. The removable portion includes a recess configured to send an electrical or data signal. The recess includes a second connector that can be connected to the first connector. In some embodiments of the endoscope, the endoscope further comprises a switch on the permanent portion, whereby the endoscope can only be pressed when the switch is pressed by the removable portion. It becomes possible to operate. In some embodiments of the endoscope, a status notification of the switch is displayed on the display device. Is configured to send a cable for data signals. The elongated portion terminates with the first connector. The removable portion includes a recess configured to send an electrical or data signal. The recess includes a second connector that can be connected to the first connector. In some embodiments of the endoscope, the endoscope further comprises a switch on the permanent portion, whereby the endoscope can only be pressed when the switch is pressed by the removable portion. It becomes possible to operate. In some embodiments of the endoscope, a status notification of the switch is displayed on the display device. Is configured to send a cable for data signals. The elongated portion terminates with the first connector. The removable portion includes a recess configured to send an electrical or data signal. The recess includes a second connector that can be connected to the first connector. In some embodiments of the endoscope, the endoscope further comprises a switch on the permanent portion, whereby the endoscope can only be pressed when the switch is pressed by the removable portion. It becomes possible to operate. In some embodiments of the endoscope, a status notification of the switch is displayed on the display device.

Another aspect of the disclosure includes a removable portion of the endoscope tip. The removable portion includes one or more capture devices and one or more light sources. The removable portion can be connected to the permanent portion at the tip of the endoscope. In some embodiments of the removable portion, the capture device within the removable portion includes a forward facing capture device. In some embodiments of the removable portion, the capture device within the removable portion includes a side-facing camera. In some embodiments of the removable portion, the capture device within the removable portion includes a front-facing camera and a side-facing camera. In some embodiments, the removable portion is configured to form part of the distal surface of the endoscope tip. In some embodiments, the removable portion is configured to form the entire distal surface of the endoscope tip. In some embodiments, the removable portion comprises a channel. A hollow elongated portion protruding from the permanent portion is inserted into the channel, thereby providing a working channel into which a surgical instrument is inserted. In some embodiments, the removable portion includes a hollow elongated portion that protrudes from the removable portion. The hollow elongated portion is configured to be inserted into a channel within the permanent portion, which provides a working channel into which a surgical instrument is inserted. In some embodiments, the removable portion comprises an elongated portion configured to pass a cable for an electrical or data signal. The elongated portion terminates with the first connector. The first connector can be connected to a second connector included in the recess in the permanent portion. In some embodiments, the removable portion comprises a recess. The recess is configured to allow cables for electrical or data signals to pass through. The recess includes a connector. The connector can be connected to a second connector. The second connector is the permanent It is provided in the elongated part protruding from the Kube. In some embodiments, the removable portion is adapted to press a switch on the permanent portion, whereby the endoscope operates only when the switch is pressed by the removable portion. It will be possible. In some embodiments, the removable portion is configured for disposable use.

Illustrative embodiments are illustrated in the drawings to which reference numerals are given. In the drawings, the dimensions and features of the components have been selected for convenience and clarity of display and are not necessarily on scale. The drawings are shown below.

<figref num="1">It is a semi-schematic diagram of an endoscopy system.</figref><figref num="2">It is a perspective view of a multi-camera endoscope.</figref><figref num="3">FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing how a tip portion having a removable overall cross section is removed from a permanent portion according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="4">FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing how a tip portion having a removable overall cross section is attached to the permanent portion according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="5">FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a tip portion having a removable partial cross section is removed from the permanent portion according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="6">FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing how a tip portion having a removable partial cross section is attached to the permanent portion according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.</figref>

Some aspects of the embodiment relate to endoscopes with removable multi-camera tips.

The endoscope may be a forward-facing camera, a fiber optic lens assembly, or another capture device for capturing the area of interest, and optionally one or more light sources (eg, light emitting diodes (LEDs)) or one. The above fluid injector may be included. The one or more fluid injectors are located at the distal end of the endoscope, which allows the capture device to capture an image of the body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted. The distal end of the endoscope may further include an opening. The opening is connected to a working channel. The operator can insert a surgical instrument through the working channel to remove, treat and / or extract a sample of the finding in the body cavity. In some embodiments, the endoscope may include one or more side-facing capture devices, and optionally additional light sources or fluid injectors. The additional light source or fluid injector is located further rearward (eg, more proximally on the endoscope) on or near the lateral surface area of the tip.

Endoscopy generally refers to a wide range of devices and is adapted for a variety of applications (eg, cystoscopy, colonoscopy, laparoscopy, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy).

According to some embodiments, one technical problem solved by the disclosed devices and methods relates to multiple endoscopic configurations required to handle a variety of applications. Different configurations can also differ in the type, number, placement, orientation, convergence or other tweaks of the capture device, light source or other component on the endoscope. Therefore, although a plurality of parts of the endoscope system may be common in many configurations, a further plurality of endoscopes may be required. As a result, many demands arise in healthcare facilities (eg, financial demands, storage, maintenance, training).

Several different configurations may also be required, depending on different patients or patient types (eg, adults, children, infants).

Several different configurations may also be required for different surgeries (eg colonoscopy, gastroscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), ERCP).

Yet another technical problem solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure relates to maintenance costs. When arranging the camera head, it may be necessary to disassemble the entire colonoscope, for example due to a defect in the objective lens, which causes high cost.

According to some embodiments, as a technical solution, an endoscope having a removable tip may be provided. The tip may be partially removable along with, for example, a permanent part and a removable part. The removable portion of the tip may be removably connected or attached to a permanent portion of the tip connected to the shaft, which allows endoscopes having different configurations to be used with the same system. It becomes. According to the endoscopic work task, a removable portion having an appropriate configuration is selected and connected to the shaft or the permanent portion. After the endoscopy is complete, the removable portion of the tip can be removed and another removable portion of the same or different configuration can be connected to the permanent portion or the shaft.

In some embodiments, the removable portion of the tip comprises substantially the entire cross section of the tip (eg, the entire distal surface of the tip). The entire cross section of the tip probably excludes some openings or small parts (eg, rings). In some of these embodiments, all channels and flows extending through the tip (eg, fiber optics, power supply, water supply, data lines for transferring images, working channels for sending equipment) are It consists of at least two parts. Once the removable portion is attached to the permanent portion, the at least two portions can be connected. However, in other embodiments of the portion where the entire cross section is removable, there may be some material or device that can be moved only through the permanent portion. The permanent portion has one or more protrusions. The one or more protrusions extend through the removable portion.

In other embodiments, the entire cross section of the removable portion is substantially partial to the cross section of the tip so that at least one of the channels that has passed through the tip is not split. All are housed in the permanent section.

When the removable portion is attached to the permanent portion, all the channels and flows divided between the permanent portion and the removable portion are reliably connected, whereby the instrument, material in the portion. Alternatively, it is understood that energy leakage is eliminated and all data can be continuously transferred.

In some embodiments, the removable portion can be reliably attached to the permanent portion, thereby ensuring that the removable portion is not accidentally disconnected from the permanent portion in the body. By providing a confirmation mechanism, it is possible to obtain further security measures.

One of the technical effects of the embodiments of the present disclosure is that an endoscope having a removable tip can be obtained. As a result, in order to utilize the optimum endoscope configuration, device, size, etc. in the use of various endoscopes, the medical staff can replace the tip portion of the endoscope according to the necessary functions. Later, different removable parts can be utilized for a variety of needs, eliminating the need to purchase and maintain multiple endoscopes for different applications. Thus, different removable parts can be configured differently, for example, the image capture component, light source or working channel can be placed at different locations on the removable part, thereby allowing a particular inspection target. It can be adjusted to the body cavity or possible discoveries within the body cavity. In other embodiments, the relative position between the image capture component and the light source can be different. In yet other embodiments, different removable parts may include different types of cameras (eg, wavelengths, lens assemblies, sensors or other parts, directivity, field of view or other parameters may differ). The light source may also vary from configuration to configuration in order to provide a type of light that matches the sensitivity of the sensor used. Different removable parts can be configured for different patients, for example, the removable parts can be manufactured in different sizes for adults, children or babies. Also, if different viewing angles, different viewing angles or different optical characteristics are required (eg 170 ° viewing angle may be used in some situations, 140 ° viewing angle to see smaller areas in detail. It is possible to use different removable parts in situations where is available).

According to another technical effect, a disposable removable part is provided, which eliminates the need for sterilization or reprocessing and reduces the risk of contamination.

Yet another technical effect of the present disclosure is that, according to some embodiments, a removable portion is provided. The removable portion can be personalized for good results in a particular patient.

Yet another technical effect of the present disclosure is, according to some embodiments, a replaceable top. The replaceable upper makes it necessary to maintain only a small number of endoscopic systems in the medical facility, which makes it possible to use various endoscopy, the best endoscope for each patient, etc. , Cost and maintenance can be reduced.

Here, with reference to FIG. 1, a semi-schematic diagram of the endoscopy system 100 is illustrated. System 100 may include an endoscope 102 with a removable tip (eg, an endoscope with a removable tip in FIGS. 3 and / or 4). The endoscope 102 with a removable tip may include a handle 104. An elongated shaft 106 extends from the handle 104. The elongated shaft 106 terminates with the tip 108. The tip 108 can be rotated via the bend 110. The handle 104 can be used to manipulate the elongated shaft 106 in the body cavity. The handle may include one or more knobs and / or switches 105. One or more knobs and / or switches 105 control the flexion 110 and endoscopic functions (eg, fluid infusion and inhalation). The handle 104 may further include one or more working channel openings that can serve as insertion openings for surgical instruments (eg, working channel openings 112).

A utility tube 114 may connect between the handle 104 and the controller 116. The utility tube 114 may include one or more fluid channels and one or more electrical channels. The electrical channel (s) may include at least one data cable and at least one power cable. The at least one data cable receives a visual signal (eg, a video signal) from a camera (s) on a removable tip 102. The at least one power cable provides power to the camera and the separate illuminator.

The controller 116 may control the power transfer to the removable tip 108 of the endoscope 102 (eg, power transfer for the camera and illuminator at the tip). Controller 116 may further control one or more fluids, liquids and / or suction pumps. The pump supplies the corresponding function to endoscope 102. By connecting one or more input devices (eg, keyboard 118) to the controller 116, the interaction between the controller and a human is possible. In another configuration (not shown), the input device (eg, keyboard) and the controller can be integrated in the same case.

The display 120 may be connected to the controller 116. The display 120 is configured to display an image and / or video stream received from the camera of the endoscope 102 having a removable tip. The display 120 may be further activated to display the user interface. The user interface allows a human operator to configure various functions of the system 100.

Optionally, an image stream received from one or more cameras of the endoscope 102 having a removable tip can be displayed on the display 120. When the endoscope 102 having a removable tip includes a plurality of cameras, the image can be displayed side by side on the display 120 in an interchangeable manner or in any other manner (ie, said operator). Can manually switch the ideographs from the different cameras). Alternatively, the video stream can be processed by the controller 116 into a single video frame. The single video frame can be panoramic or three-dimensional based on overlap between the fields of view of the camera or known coordinates obtained, for example, from a reference.

In another configuration (not shown), two or more displays may be connected to controller 116. Each display shows the multi-camera endoscope from a different camera of the multi-camera endoscope.

Now with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an endoscope having a removable tip.

The endoscope 200 may include an elongated axis (not shown), a bent portion (not shown), and a tip portion 201 that terminates the endoscope. The bent portion makes it possible to rotate the tip portion 201 in different directions. The tip 201 may include a removable portion 202 and a permanent portion 207 connected along a wire 203.

The removable portion 202 may include a forward facing capture device (eg, a camera or video camera 204) internally. The capture device may capture an image through a hole in the distal end surface 206 of the tip 201. A separate front illuminator 208 is an optional light emitting diode (LED) that can be associated with a forward facing camera 204 to illuminate the field of view of said camera through another hole in the distal end surface 206. Used. The LED may be a white light LED, an infrared light LED, a near infrared light LED or an ultraviolet light LED. The light may be generated within the endoscope tip 201, or may be generated from a remote location and transferred via, for example, an optical fiber. In some embodiments, the removable portion 202 may include two or more illuminators. The light can be generated inside at least one of the two or more illuminators, and the remotely generated light can be provided by at least one.

The forward fluid injector 210 can be used to clean at least one of the forward facing camera 204 and the separate forward illuminator 208. The anterior fluid injector 210 may be located slightly above the distal end surface 206, allowing fluid to be injected from the side 210a onto the forward facing camera 204 and a separate anterior illuminator 208. Become. The forward fluid injector 210 may be configured to inject fluid (eg, water, air and / or similar).

The distal end surface 206 may further include a hole defining the working channel 212. The working channel 212 can be a hollow tube and is configured so that surgical instruments can be inserted and operated on a variety of tissues. For example, small forceps can be inserted through the working channel 212 to remove the polyp or sample thereof for biopsy. In another embodiment, the working channel 212 can be used to aspirate and expel a variety of fluids and / or solids that are present in the body cavity and interfere with the examination. In some embodiments, the opening 212 may extend into an internal cylinder. The internal cylinder includes a portion of the permanent portion 207.

Path fluid injector 214 is defined by another hole in the distal end surface 206. Path fluid injector 214 can be used to inflate and / or clean the body cavity into which the endoscope 200 has been inserted. Expansion can be done by passing air or another gas through the pathway fluid injector 214, which can be advantageous if the body cavity (eg, colon) is deflated or in a state where efficient examination is not possible. .. Washing can be performed, for example, by injecting a liquid (eg, water or saline) onto the area requiring washing in the body cavity. In addition, a pathway fluid injector 214 (or a different tube (not shown)) can be used to aspirate and expel a variety of liquids and / or solids that are present in the body cavity and interfere with the examination.

Permanent portion 207 of the tip portion 201 may include a side-facing camera 216. The camera 216 can capture an image through a hole in the cylindrical surface 205 of the permanent portion 207 of the tip portion 201. The side illuminator 222 is optionally similar to the front illuminator 208. The side illuminator 222 can be associated with a side-facing camera 216 and can be used to illuminate the field of view through another hole in the cylindrical surface 205. The side fluid injector 220 can be used to clean at least one of the side-facing camera 216 and the separate side illuminator 222. A side fluid injector 220 and a side-facing camera 216 may be placed within the notch 218 within the cylindrical surface to avoid tissue damage when the cylindrical surface 205 of the permanent 207 comes into contact with the body cavity side wall. it can. In this way, the side fluid injector 220 can be raised from the recess 218 and prominently protruded from the height of the cylindrical surface 205. By raising the side fluid injector 220 in this way, it becomes possible to inject the fluid from the opening 220a onto the camera 216 facing sideways. In another configuration (not shown), one or more separate side illuminators may also be included within the recess so that the fluid injected from the side fluid injector is one or more separate. It is possible to reach the side illuminator of. In yet another configuration (not shown), a side-facing camera, one or more side illuminators, and a side fluid injector are substantially placed on a cylindrical surface at the tip instead of being placed in a recess. Are placed at the same height.

Although the tip portion 201 is divided into the removable portion 202 and the permanent portion 207 shown in FIG. 2, it is understood that this is merely a schematic and is intended for general illustration. Cameras, working channels, lighting channels, fluid injectors and other components are located between the removable section 202 and the permanent section 207 (as shown in the exemplary embodiments detailed below in relation to FIGS. 3-6). It is possible to divide it in any other way.

It is understood that there is additional flexibility in allowing any of the capture device (eg, camera), working channel, lighting channel and other components to be placed on the removable part rather than on the permanent part. .. In such an arrangement, each removable unit is configured and mounted with the camera type and other equipment and arrangements optimal for the task. However, some devices (eg, higher quality and higher priced cameras) may be placed on the permanent portion, which allows more effective use of resources in multiple types of applications.

Here, with reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a substantially overall cross section showing how the removable tip is removed from the permanent portion.

The state in which the removable portion 302 at the tip of the endoscope is removed from the permanent portion 307 is shown. The permanent portion 307 is connected to a shaft (not shown).

The removable portion 302 may include one or more capture devices (eg, video camera 304), one or more light sources (eg, light source 328) or one or more fluid injectors (eg, 332 or 336).

With one or more cables, powering the camera 304 and transferring an image from the camera 304 to the axis through the removable portion 302 is performed within the elongated portion 308 protruding from the removable portion 302 and through the elongated portion 308. It is said. When the removable portion 302 is connected to the permanent portion 307, the elongated portion 308 enters the corresponding recess 312 in the permanent portion 307. In some embodiments, the elongated portion 308 may be terminated with the connector and the recess 312 includes a corresponding connector, whereby when the elongated portion 308 penetrates into the recess 312, the two connectors connect and power. Alternatively, data flows between the endoscope and the camera 304. For example, a plug located at the end of the elongated portion 308 may enter the corresponding socket inside the recess 312. In another embodiment, the recess 312 may include a plug and the elongated portion 308 may include a socket.

Thus, an electrical signal or data can be sent from the shaft to the camera through the elongated portion 308 and the recess 312.

In some embodiments, the elongated portion 308 may project from the permanent portion 307 and the recess 312 may be located on the removable portion 302.

The removable portion 302 or permanent portion 307 may include one or more additional pairs of protrusions and corresponding channels, which allow water or other fluid or liquid, optical fiber or any other material or device. It is understood that it will be moved. If the protrusion and the corresponding channel are used for the movement of the fluid or liquid, one or two of the protrusion and the corresponding channel can be constructed by a gasket, thereby the fluid or liquid. Can be enclosed, and leakage from the gap between the removable portion 302 and the permanent portion 307 into the body or other parts of the tip of the endoscope is avoided.

The permanent portion 307 may also include a hollow elongated portion 316. The hollow elongated portion 316 projects from the permanent portion 307 and includes a channel 320. When the removable portion 302 is connected to the permanent portion 307, the hollow elongated portion 316 is inserted into the corresponding channel 324 within the removable portion 202. Corresponding channel 324 extends throughout the length of the removable portion 302, thereby moving the surgical instrument (not shown) through the working channel to operate the surgical instrument in the patient's body cavity. Is possible. The working channel extends from the shaft through channel 320 of hollow elongated portion 316 through channel 324 of removable portion 302 to the distal surface 305 of removable portion 302.

The removable portion 302 may also include one or more side-facing capture devices (eg, camera 338), one or more light sources 340 or one or more fluid injectors 344. Utilities to camera 338, light source 340 or syringe 344 can be received from the same provisioning as the forward facing camera, light source and syringe through the corresponding tube in the body of the removable part 302 around channel 324. Images captured by camera 338 can also be sent through the same channel.

It is understood that the removable portion 302 or permanent portion 307 may further include a side-facing camera, light source or injector.

The removable portion 302 and the permanent portion 307 can be connected to any known mechanism (eg, locking mechanism, fastening mechanism, snap mechanism).

The removable portion 302 or the permanent portion 307 may be provided with a button 352 for disconnection. By arranging the button 352 in the recess in order to allow damage to the user's body cavity, it is possible to prevent the button 352 from protruding from the surface of the tip portion. In some embodiments, only when the corresponding command is sent from an external source (eg, the controls on the display 120 are clicked at the same time to disconnect) to avoid accidental disconnection. It is possible to disconnect (only when converted to the required electrical or mechanical action).

In some embodiments, the permanent portion 307 may include a button or another sensitive area (eg, switch 348). Such a button or another sensitive area may be touched or pressed by the removable portion 302 only if the removable portion 302 is securely connected to the permanent portion 307. Such a button is also inside. It may be electrically connected to the endoscope handle or controller and may notify the endoscope operator that the portion is securely connected. The notification can be a visual notification (eg, an icon on display 120). In some embodiments, a voice notification may also be provided to the operator as a warning when the disconnection is made.

In some embodiments, there may be two levels or two connecting mechanisms between the removable portion and the permanent portion 307. When one level or one mechanism is released when using the endoscope, the operator may receive a first warning, which allows the operator to release the removable portion into the patient's body cavity. Prior to that, the endoscope can be removed or the situation can be modified.

A person skilled in the art can include a part of the fiber in each of the removable portion 302 and the permanent portion 307 when the endoscope includes an optical fiber. The portion may include a corresponding lens to allow continuity between the fiber portions by light transfer.

Here, with reference to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the tip portion having a substantially removable overall cross section is attached to the permanent portion.

In FIG. 4, the removable portion 302 is fully connected to the permanent portion 307 so that the elongated portion 308 and the hollow elongated portion 316 of FIG. 3 are inserted into the corresponding recesses 312 and channels 324, respectively. .. An electrical signal or energy as well as water or fluid can be sent through the permanent section 307 to the removable section 302 and the image captured by the camera can be returned and displayed to the operator.

Here, with reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tip portion with a removable partial cross section.

In FIG. 5, the distal surface 305 of the endoscope tip includes two parts. The first part 305'on the distal surface is the permanent part 507 and the other part 305'' is the removable part 502. Therefore, when the two portions are assembled, each cross section of the removable portion 502 includes a partial cross section of the tip portion. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, channel 320', which is entirely housed within the permanent portion 507, forms a working channel and reaches the distal surface through the permanent portion 507, whereby an instrument or other device. Can be sent.

The removable portion 502 may include a camera 304 or 338, a light source 328 or 340, or one or more fluid injectors 332, 336 or 344. These elements may be optionally placed on the front or side of the removable portion 502. The camera, light source or fluid injector can be performed as detailed in FIG. 3 above and can accept utilities.

The removable portion 502 may also include one or more elongated portions (eg, an elongated portion 308'that fits within the recess 312'of the permanent portion 507). One or more of these elongated portions (eg, elongated portion 308') can function as an anchor fixing mechanism for fixing the removable portion 502 within the permanent portion 507. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more strips (eg, strip 308') are removable parts 502 and / or surface 305'of electrical energy, fluids, liquids, optical fibers or other devices or materials. 'And can be used to move between the endoscope handle and / or console.

The removable portion 502 may include a trapezoidal protrusion to ensure complete and secure connection between the removable portion 502 and the permanent portion 507. The trapezoidal protrusion fits into the recess 544 of the permanent portion 507. In another embodiment, the removable portion 502 may include a recess and the permanent portion 507 may include a protrusion.

The permanent portion 507 and the removable portion 502 can be connected in any necessary manner as detailed above in connection with FIG.

Here, with reference to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a tip portion having a removable partial cross section is attached to the permanent portion.

When the removable part 502 is securely attached to the permanent part 507, the first part 305'on the distal surface of the tip part which is a part of the removable part 502 and the tip part far which is a part of the permanent part 507. The second portion 305'' of the position plane is placed on substantially the same plane, and the gap between the two is almost eliminated. As a result, the entire distal surfaces of the tips are formed with each other. Once the removable portion 502 and the permanent portion 507 are securely attached, it is possible to send a notification to the endoscope operator by pressing the switch 348 of FIG. By pressing the button 352, this allows the removable portion 502 and the permanent portion 507 to be released with or without an external release command.

Once the removable portion 502 is securely attached to the permanent portion 507, utilities and devices can be sent through the working channel formed by channel 320'and through the elongated portion 308' within the permanent portion 507 and the corresponding channel. ..

The present disclosure is not limited to a single removable part, and various modes of execution can be designed, for example, two or more removable parts are used, and modularity and flexibility according to the type of each application. Is understood to increase further.

Although a plurality of exemplary embodiments and configurations have been described above, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that certain modifications, substitutions, additions and small bindings are possible. Thus, it is intended that the appended claims below should be construed to include all such modifications, substitutions, additions and small bindings as being within the true intent and scope.

Within the scope of the description and claims of the present application, the terms "including" and "having", respectively, are not necessarily limited to the members with which the terms are associated.