Flexible endoscope

Abstract

An endoscope with a flexible shaft, which consists of individual sub-assemblies releasably connected to each other. The proximal end of a flexible shaft is joined to a connecting portion and the distal end of the shaft can be steered into different positions by adjustment of an operating wire by means of an adjusting lever. The connecting portion can be coupled releasably to the distal end of the handle portion, at the proximal end of which an eyepiece portion is arranged. A hand-operated control means for the operating wire is provided in the handle portion, wherein the proximal end of the operating wire is clamped by a receiver in the control means. The receiver can be opened by operation of the adjusting lever for the purpose of releasing the above mentioned wire end, by moving the adjusting lever forwards of a neutral position. Moving the adjusting lever backwards from the neutral position effects longitudinal movement of the operating wire for controlling movement of the flexible shaft.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.