Medical endoscope handle and endoscope system

Abstract

The invention relates to a handle for a medical endoscope, wherein the handle has a proximal contact surface for the endoscope and a distal contact surface for the endoscope. The extension direction of the proximal contact surface is oriented at an angle greater than 0 DEG with respect to the extension direction of the distal contact surface. The invention also relates to an endoscope system having a medical endoscope and a handle according to the invention, the handle being connected to the endoscope.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The use of an endoscope during surgery allows surgeons to visually inspect surgical sites that are not visible to the naked eye. Furthermore, as part of various diagnostic procedures, endoscopes enable visual inspection of desired, but otherwise invisible, areas of the body. Without the use of an endoscope to visually inspect the surgical process and results, minimally invasive surgery would be unthinkable, as this requires a small opening in the skin to provide access to the surgical site.

[0002] Typically, during surgery, an endoscope is handheld by the surgeon or an assistant and adjusted as needed to allow the surgeon to visually inspect the surgical site throughout the procedure. However, particularly in more complex surgeries, this inevitably leads to fatigue from handling and adjusting the endoscope, which can affect the progress of the procedure. For example, in spinal orthopedic surgery, when creating access to the intervertebral area between two adjacent vertebrae, strict care must be taken to ensure that nearby nerves in the spine are not damaged. This risk increases with the duration of the respective surgery, also due to the fatigue caused by handling and adjusting the endoscope.

[0003] To support the endoscopist, holding arms that can be freely moved in space are known in the prior art. These arms can rigidly hold the endoscope, allowing it to be fixed in a largely arbitrary position in space. This means that the surgeon no longer needs to hold the endoscope manually. However, a disadvantage is that in order to readjust the endoscope, the surgeon must realign it with the holding device during the operation. This is not only mechanically complex. In the aforementioned spinal surgery, in particular, the surgeon must turn towards the holding arm and away from the surgical instrument currently being used in order to readjust the endoscope. Realignment is therefore an additional step in the operation and prolongs the duration of the operation. In addition, the known holding arms often restrict the surgeon's freedom and flexibility, so surgeons find the known holding arms for endoscopes more annoying than useful. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art and in particular to develop a device by means of which an endoscope can be used for a longer period of time without having to give up the flexibility of adjusting the endoscope required for the operation.

[0005] The object of the present invention is achieved by a handle for a medical endoscope, which has a proximal contact surface for the endoscope and a distal contact surface for the endoscope, wherein the extension direction of the proximal contact surface is oriented at an angle greater than 0° relative to the extension direction of the distal contact surface.

[0006] The object of the present invention is also achieved by an endoscope system having a medical endoscope and a handle according to the invention, wherein the handle is in particular connectable to the endoscope in a detachable manner.

[0007] The present invention is based on the fundamental discovery that the primary cause of the aforementioned fatigue symptoms during prolonged endoscope use is the suboptimal position of the endoscope in the surgeon's hand due to its geometry, center of gravity, and weight. Endoscopes typically have an axially oriented (i.e., proximal to distal) endoscope shaft with a lumen for a working channel through which surgical instruments can be inserted and moved to the surgical site, and additional lumens, such as for light and / or irrigation channels. With modern endoscopes, visual inspection of the surgical site is no longer typically performed directly by the human eye; instead, image information of the surgical site is digitally captured by modern endoscopes and presented to the surgeon on a display unit. For this purpose, a fiber optic connection is typically established in the form of an endoscope extension, via which image information of the surgical site can be transmitted to the display unit via a camera cable. The fiber optic connection typically extends at a non-zero angle to the endoscope shaft.

[0008] Endoscopes designed in this manner cannot be grasped, moved, and held in an ergonomically optimal manner. This can lead to fatigue, especially during lengthy surgical procedures. Furthermore, due to the endoscope's additional flushing connector, the endoscope's center of gravity is not ideally positioned in the surgeon's hand. This can also accelerate fatigue. These problems are further exacerbated by the fact that surgeons' hands vary in size and shape, and no single endoscope is optimally designed for all hand sizes. The handle according to the present invention eliminates the need to sacrifice the dexterity inherent in manual endoscope use. Furthermore, it enables more comfortable and ergonomic holding, guidance, and adjustment of the endoscope. Because the handle according to the present invention can be customized to suit different hand sizes and shapes without significant effort, it is also suitable as an adapter for endoscopes. The design of the proximal and distal contact surfaces ensures that both the endoscope shaft and the fiber optic connections fit comfortably in the surgeon's hand. Consequently, the handle according to the present invention enables surgeons to ergonomically manipulate the endoscope, preventing fatigue even during prolonged use.

[0009] For the purposes of the present invention, proximal refers to the direction toward the surgeon, and distal refers to the direction toward the patient. In this context, the direction in which the contact surface extends refers to its axial component. For the purposes of the present invention, the proximal direction points forward, while the distal direction points backward.

[0010] The handle according to the present invention can be grasped by the surgeon in two different gripping positions. In the first gripping position, the surgeon's thumb and index finger surround the endoscope shaft, oriented parallel to the direction of extension of the handle's distal contact surface, while the metacarpal area of ​​the thumb rests on the proximal contact surface. The surgeon's ring and pinky fingers surround the handle in the proximal contact surface area. If desired, the surgeon's middle finger can also rest on the endoscope shaft, forming a three-finger grip of the endoscope shaft, also known as a three-finger fingertip grip. In the second gripping position, the distal contact surface area of ​​the handle according to the present invention is surrounded by the surgeon's index finger, so that the middle, ring, and pinky fingers do not contact the handle. The thumb rests on the proximal contact surface of the handle. Alternatively, the middle finger can surround the handle, and the index finger can also rest on the proximal contact surface of the handle. In the standing hand position, the proximal contact surface of the handle extends away from the surgeon's hand, with the endoscope shaft extending distally and downward away from the hand. During spinal surgery, the second gripping position is particularly useful when the patient is in the prone position and the surgeon wants to guide the endoscope perpendicular to the spine.

[0011] The handle can be made in one piece and is therefore particularly easy to manufacture. The handle can also be designed to be operable by the left hand and / or the right hand. For example, the handle can be designed to be symmetrical about a symmetry plane extending through the middle of the handle in the axial and vertical directions.

[0012] Preferably, the angle between the extension direction of the proximal contact surface and the extension direction of the distal contact surface is between 10° and 90°, in particular between 10° and 80°, more preferably between 15° and 75°, in particular between 30° and 60°, most preferably 45°.

[0013] In an advantageous development of the invention, at least one intermediate contact surface for the endoscope can be arranged between the proximal contact surface and the distal contact surface, wherein the intermediate contact surface can be in direct contact with the proximal contact surface and / or the distal contact surface. The direction of extension of the intermediate contact surface can form an angle of between 10° and 90°, in particular between 10° and 80°, more preferably between 15° and 75°, in particular between 30° and 60°, and most preferably 45°, relative to the direction of extension of the distal contact surface.

[0014] The proximal contact surface preferably has a recessed portion to create a defined contact position for the endoscope, in particular for its fiber optic connection. This also prevents the endoscope from slipping. The recessed portion can have at least one axially aligned directional component and / or can be designed as a groove and / or a hole. To further secure the endoscope against slipping, the recessed portion of the proximal contact surface can have a cross-section that varies, in particular, in the axial direction. This allows, in particular, the endoscope to be inserted into the recessed portion with a tight fit, at least in certain sections.

[0015] The proximal contact surface can have at least one lateral extension to optimize the center of gravity of the handle, thereby improving ergonomics. This extension can have an outer contour, in particular, in the shape of a circular arc, wherein this outer contour can be ergonomically shaped. This outer contour can adapt to the surgeon's fingers and / or hand and serve as a contact surface therefor. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the proximal contact surface has extensions on both sides to enable right-handed and left-handed operation of the handle.

[0016] Preferably, the proximal contact surface has at least one undercut, which is particularly arranged in the proximal region of the proximal contact surface. Particularly preferably, the undercut is arranged in the proximal region of the proximal contact surface. The undercut serves as a support for the endoscope and prevents the endoscope from sliding proximally, in particular from sliding out of the handle.

[0017] The distal contact surface preferably has at least one recess, particularly with a directional component in the axial direction. Preferably, the recess is oriented parallel to the axial direction. The recess of the distal contact surface can have an at least partially circular cross-section and / or can be designed to prevent lateral sliding of the endoscope in the region of the distal contact surface. Provision can be made for the recess to have a constant cross-section over its entire length. In another embodiment of the present invention, the width of the recess, particularly its cross-section, can taper from the proximal side to the distal side.

[0018] The distal contact surface may have at least one protrusion in the distal region, which serves as an abutment for the endoscope, thereby preventing the endoscope from sliding distally relative to the handle. In particular, in combination with the undercut of the proximal contact surface, the protrusion of the distal contact surface serves to ensure that the handle can be securely connected to the endoscope, at least in the axial direction. The protrusion may extend axially over at least a portion of the axial length of the distal contact surface to reduce the risk of the protrusion breaking under mechanical stress on the handle. For example, the protrusion may extend over an axial length of approximately 10 mm to 20 mm, in particular 13 mm to 15 mm.

[0019] Particularly preferably, the projection is designed as a partial annular extension and / or is integral with the handle.The projection of the distal contact surface may extend at least 180° in the circumferential direction to obtain a secure connection of the endoscope to the handle.

[0020] Most preferably, the protrusion is designed as an annular extension. Preferably, the inner diameter of the extension corresponds to the diameter of the recess of the distal contact surface, allowing the endoscope to be positioned within the space defined by the distal contact surface and the extension. In combination with the annular extension, the endoscope can be surrounded by the handle extension over its entire circumference, particularly in the region of the endoscope shaft, preventing the endoscope from falling out of the handle. This ensures a secure connection of the handle to the endoscope.

[0021] A further development of the present invention provides that the projection has at least one, in particular two, recesses, wherein the at least one recess can be axially oriented to improve the reception of the endoscope in the handle. In particular, if the endoscope has a transverse irrigation connector, for example, designed as a Luer lock connector, this irrigation connector can engage in a recess in the projection, in particular in the recess in the annular extension. The recess can be designed as a through-opening, for example, formed as a depression, to improve the reception of the endoscope in the handle. Furthermore, the recess allows the endoscope to be mounted in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular relative to an axially oriented axis of rotation.

[0022] The distal contact surface can have at least one, particularly transverse, projection in the proximal region, preferably in the transition region to the intermediate contact surface. The projection is preferably oriented perpendicular to the axial direction and, in particular, serves as an abutment for the endoscope to prevent proximal sliding of the endoscope. In particular, the at least one projection serves as an abutment for an irrigation connector, which, in some embodiments of the endoscope, is arranged transversely on the endoscope at an angle other than 0° to the axial direction. Preferably, projections are provided on both sides of the recess of the distal contact surface, serving as abutments.

[0023] The proximal contact surface may be designed to contact and / or receive a fiber optic connector and / or a camera connector of an endoscope.

[0024] The at least one intermediate contact surface may include at least one recess for the endoscope, wherein the diameter of the at least one recess of the at least one intermediate contact surface may be smaller than the diameter of the recess of the distal contact surface. The at least one intermediate contact surface may be designed to contact and / or receive a fiber optic connector and / or a camera connector of an endoscope. Preferably, the distal contact surface is designed to contact and / or receive an endoscope, in particular an endoscope shaft.

[0025] The handle may have a protrusion in its distal region, in particular on its distal face, the direction of extension of which has a directional component oriented perpendicular to the axial direction. Therefore, the protrusion at the distal front end can therefore serve as an abutment for the surgeon's finger (e.g. index finger) and improve the ergonomics of the handle. In another embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the protrusion is oriented obliquely toward the rear proximal side. In order to improve the ergonomics of the handle, its rear side may have a parabolic outer contour at least in certain areas, wherein it is particularly provided that the apex of the outer contour is arranged at the axial height of the distal contact surface. In the region of the apex, the handle can receive a recess toward the distal contact surface, the recess being particularly provided with an arched cross section and / or arranged in a ring shape.

[0026] In order to avoid damaging the endoscope, the material of the handle can be selected so that its hardness is lower than the hardness of the endoscope. Preferably, the material can be sterilized, in particular autoclaved. In addition, the material of the handle can be biocompatible and have at least one component made of a thermoplastic and / or a homopolymer. Preferably, the handle comprises or consists of polyamide-12, also known as PA12 or polylaurylactam. In addition, it can be provided that the roughness of the handle is less than 12 μm, wherein the roughness corresponds to the average roughness value R a , secondary roughness R q Or average roughness depth R z Furthermore, it can be provided that the handle weighs less than 500 g, in particular less than 200 g, preferably less than 150 g, and most preferably less than 100 g. The handle can be designed as a disposable device or as a reusable device. Preferably, the handle is designed to be symmetrical about an axis of symmetry that includes the axial direction.

[0027] The endoscope of the endoscopic system can be connected to the handle securely or loosely; in particular, it can be clamped and / or locked to the handle. Preferably, the endoscope has at least one optical output and / or at least one irrigation connector, which, in terms of the present invention, provides an additional locking option for the endoscope. The endoscope can be designed as an orthopedic endoscope, in particular for performing transforaminal and / or interlaminar and / or intradiscal and / or cervical spine surgeries. Preferably, the endoscope is designed as a transforaminal endoscope and / or a laminoscope and / or a nucleoscope.

[0028] In a further development of the endoscope system, the endoscope can be in direct contact with the proximal and distal contact surfaces of the handle. It can be configured so that the fiber optic connector and / or camera connector of the endoscope rests on and / or is received by the proximal contact surface of the handle. Furthermore, it can be configured so that the fiber optic connector and / or camera connector of the endoscope rests on and / or is received by at least one intermediate contact surface of the handle. Furthermore, it can be configured so that the endoscope, in particular its endoscope shaft, rests on and / or is received by the distal contact surface of the handle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Further advantages and features of the invention can be found in the claims and in the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a perspective side view of a handle according to the invention,

[0031] Figure 2 Show the basis Figure 1 Side view of the handle rotated 180°,

[0032] Figure 3 Show the basis Figure 1 Front view of the handle,

[0033] Figure 4 Show the basis Figure 1 Side view of the handle,

[0034] Figure 5 Show the basis Figure 4 A view of the handle rotated 180°,

[0035] Figure 6 Show Figure 1 Magnified view of the distal area of ​​the handle,

[0036] Figure 7 Show the basis Figure 1 Bottom view of the handle,

[0037] Figure 8 Show the basis Figure 7 A view of the handle rotated 180°,

[0038] Figure 9 Show that there is a basis Figure 2 An endoscope system comprising a handle and an endoscope connected thereto,

[0039] Figure 10 Show Figure 9 Front view of the endoscope system,

[0040] Figure 11 Show Figure 9Rear view of the endoscope system,

[0041] Figure 12 Show Figure 9 A side view of the endoscope system, and

[0042] Figure 13 Show Figure 13 Zoomed-out view of the endoscope system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Figure 1 Shown is a diagram of a medical endoscope 39 ( Figure 1 1 (not shown), wherein the handle 10 has a proximal contact surface 11, an intermediate contact surface 12, and a distal contact surface 13. Within the meaning of the present invention, the proximal direction corresponds to the direction toward the user, and the distal direction corresponds to the direction toward the patient. The direction extending from the proximal side to the distal side corresponds to the axial direction. The intermediate contact surface 12 is arranged between the proximal contact surface 11 and the distal contact surface 13.

[0044] according to Figure 1 The extending direction of the distal contact surface 13 of the handle 10 is parallel to the axial orientation, so the endoscope rod 40 ( Figure 1 In order to stabilize the endoscope shaft 40 on the distal contact surface 13, the distal contact surface 13 has a recess 14 over its entire length, which has a partially circular cross section and is constant over the entire length of the distal contact surface 13. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the recess 14 is designed as a groove. This is also Figure 2 Perspective drawing and Figure 3 The handle 10 is designed to be symmetrical about a symmetry plane (not shown) which includes an axial direction parallel to the extension direction of the handle 10. Figure 2 The diagram in basically corresponds to Figure 1 .

[0045] In the distal region 15, the distal contact surface has an annular extension 16 with an axial length of approximately 10 mm to 20 mm to prevent the endoscope shaft 40 from falling out of the handle 10. The extension 16 is hollow cylindrical and axially oriented. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inner diameter of the extension corresponds to the diameter of the recess 14 of the distal contact surface 13.

[0046] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2In the proximal region 17 of the extension 16, two oppositely disposed elongated hole-shaped recesses 18 are formed as recesses, which serve to receive a laterally arranged Luer-Lock connector of an endoscope, such as an irrigation connector 42, and can ensure additional fixing of the endoscope 39 in the sense of an anti-rotation lock. Figure 4 and Figure 5 A side view, especially from the perspective of Figure 6 It can be clearly seen from the enlarged side view of the recess 18 of the extension portion that the outer contour 19 of the recess 18 is parabolic, and the recess is formed to Figure 6 A stepless transition of the concavity to the left of the mid-distal contact surface 13 (not shown).

[0047] In the distal end region 20, the distal contact surface 13 has a projection 21 which extends downward in the proximal direction and forms the distal front end of the handle 10. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the side view, the distal surface of the protrusion 21 extends obliquely toward the rear proximal side to serve as an abutment for the surgeon's finger. Due to the axisymmetric design of the handle 10 mentioned above, Figure 5 The diagram in Figure 4 corresponds to the diagram in .

[0048] The distal contact surface 13 has two lateral projections 22 in the proximal region, which are opposite each other and serve as abutments for the endoscope 39 and prevent it from falling out proximally.

[0049] The intermediate contact surface 12 directly adjoins the distal contact surface 13 in the proximal direction, with the direction of extension of the intermediate contact surface 12 forming an angle of 35° relative to the direction of extension of the distal contact surface 13. The intermediate contact surface 12 also has a partially circular recess 24, which is designed as a groove to accommodate a fiber optic connector 41 (not shown) or a camera connection of an endoscope 39. Therefore, the diameter of the recess 24 of the intermediate contact surface 12 is smaller than the diameter of the recess 14 of the distal contact surface 13. In the proximal region 25, the intermediate contact surface 12 is provided with an undercut 26 in the region of its recess 24 to prevent the endoscope 39 from accidentally falling out.

[0050] On both sides of the recess 24 of the intermediate contact surface 12 (thus perpendicular to the axial direction), extensions 27 are formed on the intermediate contact surface 12 , which serve as finger rests when the handle 10 is in use.

[0051] The intermediate contact surface 12 merges proximally with the proximal contact surface 11. The direction of extension of the proximal contact surface 11 is at an angle of 25° relative to the direction of extension of the intermediate contact surface 12 and thus at an angle of 60° relative to the direction of extension of the distal contact surface 13. The proximal contact surface 11 has a recess 28, wherein, in particular, Figures 1 to 3 A protrusion 29 is formed between the recess 24 of the intermediate contact surface 12 and the recess 28 of the proximal contact surface 11 , and the protrusion 29 serves as an abutment portion for the endoscope 39 .

[0052] The diameter of the recess 28 of the proximal contact surface 11 is variable over its length in order to accommodate the endoscope 39 in a close-fitting manner. In a proximal region 30 of the proximal contact surface 11, the recess 28 of the proximal contact surface 11 has an undercut 31 which serves as an axial abutment for the endoscope 39 and prevents the endoscope 39 from falling out proximally.

[0053] On both sides of the recess 28 of the proximal contact surface 11, an extension 32 extending perpendicularly to the axial direction is formed on the proximal contact surface 11. The extension 32 serves as a finger rest for the user. For ergonomic reasons, the extension 32 has an arc-shaped upper outer contour 33.

[0054] according to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In a side view, the rear side 34 of the handle 10 has an approximately parabolic outer contour 35, the vertex 36 of which is arranged at the axial height of the distal contact surface 13, so that the surgeon can ergonomically hold the endoscope 39. In the region of the vertex 36, the handle 10 has an annular recess 37 with an arcuate cross section and oriented toward the distal contact surface 13 to improve the ergonomics of the handle 10. Figure 7 The proximal rear view of the handle 10 and the Figure 8 This is also apparent from the 180° rotated view.

[0055] In particular, two gripping positions of the handle 10 are possible, and with reference to Figure 4 FIG is explained, wherein the endoscope rod 40 ( Figure 4 The optical fiber connector 41 of the endoscope 39 is located on the middle contact surface 12 and the proximal contact surface 11 and extends to the upper right, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 For example, in the first grasping position, the surgeon's right hand approaches from above (i.e., proximally) according to Figure 4 The handle 10, wherein the index finger and thumb are connected to the endoscope rod 40 ( Figure 4 The surgeon's hand is placed in the metacarpal area of ​​the thumb on the lateral extension 32 of the proximal contact surface 11. If necessary, the index finger can leave the endoscope shaft 40 and engage the distal region 20 around the handle 10, with the distal protrusion 21 of the distal contact surface 13 acting as an abutment. Figure 12 1 and 2. The arrangement of the endoscope 39 on the handle 10 to which it is connected is shown in a first handle position.

[0056] In the second gripping position, for example, the surgeon's left hand moves from Figure 4 The left side shown holds the handle 10. The surgeon's index finger encompasses the apex 36 of the outer contour 35 of the rear side 34 of the handle 10, while the thumb rests on the endoscope shaft ( Figure 4 (not shown). Figure 13 3 shows the arrangement of the endoscope 39 on the handle 10 connected thereto in a second handle position.

[0057] The handle 10 according to the present invention is designed to be symmetrical about a symmetry plane extending from the axial and vertical directions and passing through the middle of the handle 10. Therefore, the handle 10 according to the present invention can be operated by both the left and right hands, especially with respect to the above-mentioned handle positions.

[0058] Figure 9 An endoscope system 38 according to the invention is shown, which has a handle 10 according to the invention and an endoscope 39 detachably connected thereto, such that the endoscope 39 is in contact with the proximal contact surface 11, the intermediate contact surface 12 and the distal contact surface 13 of the handle 10. A fiber optic connector 41 or a camera connector of the endoscope 39 engages in a recess 28 of the proximal contact surface 11 and is oriented at an angle of approximately 60° with respect to the axial extension direction of the endoscope shaft 40. The endoscope 39 engages in a recess 14 of the distal contact surface 13 of the handle 10 and passes through the annular extension 16. The endoscope 39 is equipped with irrigation connectors 42, each of which is arranged at an angle of greater than 0° with respect to the extension direction of the endoscope 39 and therefore with respect to the endoscope shaft 40, and each of which is designed as a Luer lock connector, which in Figure 10 This is also evident in the front view of the endoscope system 38 in FIG.

[0059] The irrigation connectors 42 are in contact with the protrusions 23 of the distal contact surface 13, thereby preventing the endoscope 39 from moving in the proximal direction relative to the handle 10. The irrigation connectors 42 of the endoscope 39 passing through the recess 18 of the annular extension 16 prevent the endoscope 39 from moving in the distal direction relative to the handle 10. Figure 11 A rear view of the endoscope system 38 is shown.

[0060] Figure 12 Show the basis Figure 9 38 , wherein the handle 10 is in the first handle position already described, wherein the fiber optic connector 41 of the endoscope 39 is in contact with the proximal contact surface 11 of the handle 10 . Figure 13 Show the basis Figure 9The endoscope system 38 is in the second handle position, also described, in which the fiber optic connector 41 is not in contact with the proximal contact surface 11 of the handle 10. In the second handle position, the endoscope 39 is rotated 180° about its extension direction compared to the first handle position. In both gripping positions, the endoscope shaft 40 passes through the annular extension 16, and the irrigation connector 42 contacts the protrusion 23 on the one hand and passes through the recess 18 on the other hand, thereby ensuring a reliable and secure connection of the endoscope 39 to the handle 10.

Claims

1. A handle (10) for a medical endoscope (39), the handle (10) having a proximal contact surface (11) for the endoscope (39) and a distal contact surface (13) for the endoscope (39), wherein the extension direction of the proximal contact surface (11) is oriented at an angle greater than 0° relative to the extension direction of the distal contact surface (13).

2. The handle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle between the extension direction of the proximal contact surface (11) and the extension direction of the distal contact surface (13) is between 10° and 90°, in particular 45°.

3. The handle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: At least one intermediate contact surface (12) for the endoscope (39) is arranged between the proximal contact surface (11) and the distal contact surface (13).

4. The handle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The proximal contact surface (11) has a recess (28).

5. The handle according to claim 4, characterized in that: The recess (28) of the proximal contact surface (11) has a variable cross section.

6. The handle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The proximal contact surface (11) has at least one lateral extension (32), wherein the extension (32) has an outer contour (33), in particular an arcuate shape.

7. The handle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The proximal contact surface (11) has an undercut (31) in the proximal region (30).

8. The handle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The distal contact surface (13) has a recess (24) which has, in particular, an at least partially annular cross section.

9. The handle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The distal contact surface (13) has a projection (16) in the distal region (15), wherein, in particular, the projection (16) is designed at least partially annular.

10. The handle according to claim 9, characterized in that The projection (16) extends at least 180° in the circumferential direction.

11. The handle according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The projection (16) is designed as an annular extension (16), wherein, in particular, the inner diameter of the annular extension (16) corresponds to the diameter of the recess (14) of the distal contact surface (13).

12. A handle according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that The projection (16) has at least one, in particular two, recesses (18), wherein in particular the at least one recess (18) is axially oriented.

13. A handle according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The distal contact surface (13) has at least one, in particular transverse, projection (23) in the proximal region (22).

14. A handle according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that The handle (10) has a projection (21) at its distal end region (20), the extension direction of the projection (21) having a directional component oriented perpendicularly to the axial direction.

15. An endoscope system (38) having a medical endoscope (39) and a handle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the handle (10) is connectable to the endoscope (39), in particular detachably.

16. The endoscope system according to claim 15, characterized in that: The endoscope (39) contacts the proximal contact surface (11) and the distal contact surface (13) of the handle (10).

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