Endoscope

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an endoscope comprising continuous image and light ducts for the observation and examination of bodily cavities, in particular of the prefrontal sinuses.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Endoscopes rigid throughout their length were generally utilised until now for examination of the prefrontal sinuses. For this reason, the examining physician had to assume a very uncomfortable head position under particular circumstances, despite which it was difficult to gain a complete view in areas particularly difficult to reach, so that a limited examination only, was possible. By contrast, completely flexible endoscopes allowed of a complete examination of the prefrontal sinuses, but required onerous handling because of the distal angling over of the endoscope which had to be performed by operation of a handwheel, the flexible endoscope also having to be supported and guided in the area of the prefrontal sinuses.

The object of the invention consists in constructing an endoscope in a manner such that the physician may maintain a normal head position and that an unimpeded examination of the prefrontal sinuses becomes possible despite this.

A further object is to provide for stereoscopic examination.

A yet further object is to provide access through the endoscope for access of additional instrumentation.

In the case of an endoscope of the kind referred to in the foregoing, this problem is resolved in that the endoscope is divided into a rigid or semi-rigid distal longitudinal member forming a unit with a handle and having a distal extremity and a flexible longitudinal member joined proximally to the handle and having an eyepiece joined to an image duct and a light duct connector.

The distal extremity of the rigid member is suitably angled over or curried to facilitate access into the bodily cavity.

Thanks to this solution, a physician is now able to reach all parts of the prefrontal sinuses with the rigid or semi-rigid distal longitudinal member whilst grasping the handle, which is connected to the flexible proximal longitudinal member to enable him to maintain normal head positions during the examination.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following diagrammatic drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an endoscope according to the present invention;

FIG. 1a is a cross-sectional view taken on line Ia--Ia of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view taken on line IIa--IIa of FIG. 2.

The endoscope which is traversed in a known manner by a light duct 8 (FIG. 1a) connectible to a light source via a connector 1, and by an image duct 7 (FIG. 1a) having a distal objective lens 2 and a proximal eyepiece 3, is divided into a rigid or semi-rigid distal longitudinal member 4 having a distal extremity which is or may be angled, a handle 5 and a wholly flexible proximal longitudinal member 6 with the eyepiece 3 and and the light connector 1. In this connection, the handle 5 may be rigidly connected to the longitudinal member 6 or coupled releasably to the same. As seen in cross-sectional view of FIG. 1a, a pair of additional open ended passages 9 extend parallel to the image duct 7 through the endoscope and have distal openings in the region of the objective lens 2.

Thanks to the additional possibility of making the distal extremity steerable, and to the utilisation of at least one passage 9 extending parallel to the image duct 7 and to the light duct 8 and having an outlet opening distally in the area of the objective lens 2, it is possible to introduce substances or an auxiliary instrument in a directional manner into the bodily cavity. The proximal light junction connector 1 may be situated either in the handle grip 5 or in the area of the eyepiece 3. Proximal openings of the passages 9, not shown, are arranged for convenient access of an auxiliary instrument into the passageway, for example, at the handle or at a section of the eyepiece, and are suitably provided with connectors.

So as to assure the requirements regarding adequate sterility of the instrument portion 4 to be inserted into the bodily cavity, the rigid member 4,5 and the flexible member 6, are suitably releasably coupled to each other at the proximal extremity of the handle so that the instrument portion 4 may be removed for sterilization.

In a further development of the endoscope, and according to FIGS. 2 and 2a, two image ducts 7' with small mutual spacings are provided in the endoscope, so that it becomes possible to undertake a stereoscopic examination within the abdominal cavity via two eyepieces 3' coupled to respective ducts 7'. It is also possible to exchange the standard objective lens for a wide-angle objective lens, so that a maximum area may be observed.

Whilst the invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, it will be apparent that changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.