| abstract |
An endoscope comprises a hand held control module (12), a flexible optical guide member (20) permanently or temporarily connected at a proximal end to the control module (12), and a disposable insertion tube (14) removably attached at a proximal end to at least one of the control module (12) and the optical guide member (20), the insertion tube (14) being provided with a longitudinal channel (76) for receiving the optical guide member. Images are transmitted from a distal end (18) of the insertion tube either by an optical fiber bundle (26), an electrical lead (88) or a wireless transmitter (156). The insertion tube (14) is closed at a distal end (18) by a transparent element (28). A plurality of longitudinal ducts (16) extend to respective openings at the distal end (18) of the insertion tube (14), coupling elements (52a, 52b, 52c) being provided for connecting suction (54c) and fluid supply hoses (54a, 54b) to the ducts (16) in the insertion member. |