Importance

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Abstract

An improved endoscope having a flexible tip portion with both a selectable angle of deflection, and a selectable radius of curvature to provide a more maneuverable endoscope for use by a physician. It includes a body member receiving a rigid tube within a lumen thereof. The tube extends toward, but short of the distal end of the body member to define a deflectable tip portion. A pull-wire is positioned within the rigid tube and lumen and extends from the body member's proximal end to the body member's distal end. By selectively retracting the pull-wire in the proximal direction, the distal end of the flexible tip portion is deflected about the distal end of the rigid tube. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a second rigid tube is telescopingly received within the first rigid tube. The second tube is selectively extendable beyond the distal end of the first rigid tube into the lumen of the body member. In this manner, the length of the flexible tip portion of the endoscope is selectable to determine a radius of curvature of the flexible tip portion as well.

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First Claim