Working channel element, endoscope with a working channel element, and method for using a working channel in an endoscope

A working channel instrument for an endoscope, the working channel instrument comprising:

• a working channel element having a tubular shape which has an inner circumference and an outer circumference and through which an instrument can be pushed;
• a bending portion located on a distal side of the working channel element;
• an actuator that controls the bending of the bending portion, the actuator comprising a hollow cylinder rod element having has a lateral slit extending in a longitudinal direction of the hollow cylinder rod element, wherein the actuator is located on a proximal side thereof;
• a slider arranged on the hollow cylinder rod element and configured to slide along on the hollow cylinder rod element in the longitudinal direction thereof;
• a tension wire anchored on the slider such that the bending portion is bendable by the tension wire;
• and
• a lock located on the slider, wherein in the lock is:
• guidable in the lateral slit of the hollow cylinder rod element, and
• lockable in a selected longitudinal displacement position of the slider relative to the hollow cylinder rod element, and
• wherein the working channel element is adapted to be temporarily inserted into a working channel of an endoscope by its distal side.