Importance

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Abstract

An endoscope having an elongated shaft which terminates in a deflectable distal tip is shown. The elongated shaft includes a first elongated sheath tube having a deflectable distal section. The deflectable distal section terminates in a distal tip having a triangular shaped cross-sectional area. The elongated shaft also includes a second semi-rigid elongated tube which is shorter in length than the first elongated sheath tube. The difference in length enables the deflectable distal section to extend beyond the end of the second semi-rigid elongated sheath tube and to be deflectable. The second semi-rigid elongated sheath tube encloses the proximal section of the first elongated sheath tube. The second semi-rigid elongated sheath tube has a generally rounded cross-sectional area which is slightly greater than that of the cross-sectional area of the first elongated sheath tube which enables the distal end of the second semi-rigid elongated sheath tube to enclose and pass therethrough the first elongated sheath tube. A method for performing a procedure in a cavity or passageway is also shown. A method for casting a housing around an endoscope frame is shown. An image means for an instrument having a rod-like image transferring system which is rigidly attached at a selected location is shown.

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First Claim