ENDOSCOPE

• Main Authors: AKIRA NISHIMURA, KIMIZO ONO
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 11.05.1989
• Edition: 4
• Subjects: DIAGNOSIS; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HYGIENE; IDENTIFICATION; MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; SURGERY

An endoscope (10) for image-observation or measuring an area filled with an opaque liquid comprises an image fibre (3), a lens (5) positioned at the leading end of the image fibre (3), a light guide (4) arranged parallel to the image fibre (3), a transparent fluid transport passage (7) arranged parallel to the image fibre (3) and the light guide (4), and having an outlet (9) at its leading end, and a sheath (12) enclosing the image fibre (3), lens (5), light guide (4) and transparent fluid transport passage (7). Means are provided for obtaining a clear field of view at the leading end of the endoscope upon the discharge of a transparent fluid from the outlet (9) of the transparent fluid transport passage (7). This means may include a transparent balloon (11) which is inflated by the transparent fluid or may simply be a flush of transparent fluid which displaces the opaque liquid. Means for stabilizing the field of view is provided on the leading end portion of the sheath (12). This means may include means (19, 20, 21) to stabilize the trailing end of the balloon (11) or a hood (16) to contain the flush of transparent fluid.