Dual view endoscope

A method of examining a hollow body cavity using an endoscope so as to achieve receiving two substantially simultaneous images in two generally opposite directions inside the hollow cavity, the endoscope comprising:

• (a) a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis, having a generally cylindrical distal end integral to the shaft and a proximal end and defining a hollow channel therethrough along the longitudinal axis;
• and (b) a first lens selectively fixedly positioned adjacent to the distal end of the shaft for receiving a first image in a first direction along the longitudinal axis, the method comprising:
• interposing the shaft of the endoscope within the hollow body cavity, with the distal end of the shaft reaching a target distal endoscope position inside the hollow body cavity;
• inserting a catheter into the hollow channel of the shaft for extension and retraction therethrough, the catheter including the distal section, a proximal section, a bending section interposed between the distal section and the proximal section, and an actuating mechanism, the bending section selectively actuatable by the actuating mechanism to achieve retroflexion of the distal section, the distal section of the catheter coupled to a second lens in such a manner that the second lens is adapted to advance with the distal section as the distal section is inserted into the hollow channel of the shaft and remain coupled to the distal section while advancing with the distal section in the hollow channel of the shaft;
• extending the catheter inside the hollow channel of the shaft to advance the distal section of the catheter and the coupled second lens along the longitudinal axis to an extent that the distal section of the catheter and the coupled second lens are adjacent to the distal end of the shaft;
• and
• actuating the bending section of the catheter by the actuating mechanism of the catheter to cause the distal section of the catheter to be extended from the hollow channel of the shaft to achieve retroflexion with a curvature having the outmost diameter less than the outmost diameter of the cylindrical distal end of the shaft, so as to cause the coupled second lens to receive a second image in a second direction at a generally 180 degree angle to the first direction.