Universal endoscope

Abstract

A universal endoscope of the invention comprises an outer shell with quickly and conveniently replaceable inner parts of the endoscope, such as a smooth end tip assembly which is inserted into the outer shell for filling the interior of the outer shell and for guiding the endoscope during insertion into the patient's lumen, e.g., rectum. For this purpose the end of the end tip that projects from the distal part of the outer shell has a smooth tip that merges the external shape of the aforementioned distal part. Upon completion of the endoscope insertion, the end tip assembly is removed for opening the interior of the outer shell for providing access of various replaceable instruments and tools to the area of the interests. This may be biopsy samplers, polyp cutters, etc. Reliable fixation of the end tip assembly and tools is provided due to the use of a metal-plastic friction pair between the inner taper on the lock member of the outer shell and the outer taper on the inserted member, while quick and convenient connection and disconnection is achieved due to provision of a lead threads on the aforementioned lock member and the inserted member.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.