Endoscope bending section

Abstract

The invention relates to an endoscope bending section. The present invention provides an endoscopic system having a curved section that can be curved in four directions independent of a rotatable viewing configuration of the endoscopic system. A method of using the endoscopic system in a body of a patient is further provided.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of the patent application with application number 202180032246.5, title “Endoscope Curved Section”, and filing date 08-JUN-2021.

[0002] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 044,506, filed June 26, 2020, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure relates to medical devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to curved sections for endoscope systems. BACKGROUND

[0005] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and can not constitute prior art.

[0006] A duodenoscope is a medical device used for various endoscopic procedures, including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (“ERCP”). In ERCP, a physician inserts a duodenoscope into a patient’s mouth, through the patient’s gastrointestinal (“GI”) tract, and into the duodenum until the distal end of the duodenoscope is positioned near the Vater’s papilla, a small mound-like structure that serves as an entrance from the common bile duct and pancreatic duct into the duodenum. The physician then uses various tools and accessories that pass through the lumen in the duodenoscope to access the common bile duct or pancreatic duct through the Vater’s papilla.

[0007] However, the duodenoscope presents multiple design issues. For example, due to the location of the Vater’s papilla and the shape of the duodenoscope, endoscopic tools or accessories must be sharply bent at (or sometimes beyond) a 90-degree angle at the distal end of the duodenoscope, which results in significant friction between the tools and the duodenoscope and concomitant force transmission loss. As a result, the accessories must be sufficiently durable to withstand this sharp bend, and the physician must exert more force than is needed to continue advancing the tools. Further, the duodenoscope’s built-in camera system is lateral, making it difficult for novices and even experienced physicians to maneuver the duodenoscope through the GI tract. Also, the traditional duodenoscope has only one accessory channel, making multiple accessory use time-intensive and cumbersome. Additionally, the duodenoscope is difficult to clean, which can result in inadequate cleaning of the device after use and possible bacterial contamination of the patient during subsequent use of the duodenoscope.

[0008] It would be desirable to have an endoscope system that eliminates or mitigates the force transmission loss of the duodenoscope. It would be desirable for the endoscope system to have improved and easier maneuverability through and within the GI tract.

[0009] All endoscopes should include a mechanism to bend the distal end so that the physician can steer the endoscope to scan the GI lumen and to steer the GI anatomy. The junction of the bending section is complete over the entire circumference of the distal-proximal longitudinal axis of the bending section. However, such a bending section does not allow for the accessory channel to be bent outwardly so that the bending section can advantageously be switched between a forward view angle and a side view angle. Further, such a bending section can be experimentally inefficient when deflected with the appropriate degrees of freedom to cannulate the duodenum. Accordingly, for certain practical applications, a 4-way deflection with a "U" shaped profile of the junction can be preferred. Thus, there remains a need to make further contributions in this technical field. SUMMARY

[0010] In one form of the disclosure, a scope system is provided. The scope system includes an elongate tube including a lumen extending therethrough and a distal portion. The scope system further includes at least one accessory channel including a tubular structure including an accessory lumen extending therethrough, the at least one accessory channel being movably disposed at least partially within the lumen, the at least one accessory channel including a distal section. The scope system further includes a first control wire connected to the distal portion of the elongate tube and extending proximally along the elongate tube. The scope system further includes a second control wire connected to the distal portion of the elongate tube and extending proximally along the elongate tube parallel to the first control wire. The scope system further includes a third control wire connected to the distal portion of the elongate tube and extending proximally along the elongate tube parallel to the first control wire and the second control wire. The scope system further includes a fourth control wire connected to the distal portion of the elongate tube and extending proximally along the elongate tube parallel to the first control wire, the second control wire, and the third control wire. Proximal movement of the first control wire bends the distal portion in a first direction. Proximal movement of the second control wire bends the distal portion in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction. Proximal movement of the third control wire bends the distal portion in a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction. Proximal movement of the fourth control wire bends the distal portion in a fourth direction, the fourth direction being opposite the third direction.

[0011] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a scope system is provided. The scope system includes an elongate tube including a lumen extending therethrough and a distal portion including circumferentially discontinuous ribs, each of the circumferentially discontinuous ribs including a rib opening, the rib openings of the circumferentially discontinuous ribs being coaxial. The scope system further includes a tubular structure including a fitting lumen extending therethrough, each of the circumferentially discontinuous ribs surrounding the at least one fitting passage, the at least one fitting passage being movably disposed at least partially within the lumen, the at least one fitting passage including a distal segment. The scope system further includes a first control wire connected to the distal portion of the elongate tube and extending proximally along the elongate tube. The scope system further includes a second control wire connected to the distal portion of the elongate tube and extending proximally along the elongate tube in parallel with the first control wire. The scope system further includes a third control wire connected to the distal portion of the elongate tube and extending proximally along the elongate tube in parallel with the first control wire and the second control wire. The scope system further includes a fourth control wire connected to the distal portion of the elongate tube and extending proximally along the elongate tube in parallel with the first control wire, the second control wire, and the third control wire. Proximal movement of the first control wire causes the distal portion to bend in a first direction. Proximal movement of the second control wire causes the distal portion to bend in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction. Proximal movement of the third control wire causes the distal portion to bend in a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction. Proximal movement of the fourth control wire causes the distal portion to bend in a fourth direction, the fourth direction being opposite the third direction. The at least one fitting passage is reversibly removable from the interior cavity of each of the plurality of circumferentially discontinuous ribs through the rib openings.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of using a scope system is provided. The method includes the step of inserting an endoscope system into a body of a patient, the endoscope system including an elongate tube including a lumen extending therethrough, the elongate tube further including a distal portion; at least one accessory channel including a tubular structure including an accessory lumen extending therethrough, the at least one accessory channel being movably disposed at least partially within the lumen, the at least one accessory channel including a distal end segment; and parallel control wires, each of the parallel control wires being connected to the distal portion of the elongate tube and extending proximally along the elongate tube, individual proximal movement of one or more of the parallel control wires causing the distal portion to bend in one of a first direction, a second direction, a third direction, and a fourth direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction, and the fourth direction being opposite the third direction. The method further includes the step of moving one or more of the parallel control wires so as to cause the distal portion to bend in one of the first direction, the second direction, the third direction, and the fourth direction. The method further includes the step of positioning the endoscope system into an anterior view configuration, wherein, in the anterior view configuration, the distal end segment is substantially parallel to the distal portion. The method further includes the step of moving the endoscope system into a lateral view configuration, wherein, in the lateral view configuration, the distal end segment is disposed at a curvature angle that is greater than a curvature angle of the distal portion.

[0013] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] So that the disclosure can be well understood, various forms thereof will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Furthermore, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0015] Figure 1 A side view of an example of an endoscope system having a curved segment according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown;

[0016] Figure 2 A detailed view of a distal portion of an example of an endoscope system in an anterior configuration is shown;

[0017] Figures 3 to 5 A view of an example of a circumferentially continuous annular rib for an example of an endoscope system constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figures 6 to 8A view showing an example of a circumferentially continuous C-shape or open rib of an example of an endoscope system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 9A and Figure 9B A view showing an example of symmetry associated with an example of a circumferentially continuous C-shape or open rib of an endoscope system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 10 and Figure 11 A detailed view showing an example of a distal portion of an endoscope system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 12 A view showing another example of a rib of an example of an endoscope system of the present disclosure disposed along a series of control wires;

[0022] Figure 13 A detailed view showing an example of a pivot arm of an example of an endoscope system in a forward configuration;

[0023] Figure 14 A detailed view showing an example of a pivot arm of an example of an endoscope system in a lateral configuration;

[0024] Figure 15 A detailed view showing a distal portion of an example of an endoscope system in a lateral configuration;

[0025] Figure 16 A detailed view showing a distal portion of an example of an endoscope system in a curved configuration; and

[0026] Figure 17 A detailed view showing an example of an axially rotatable bearing of an example of an endoscope system.

[0027] The figures described herein are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It is understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. It is also understood that the various cross-hatched patterns used in the drawings are not intended to limit the specific materials that can be used in the present disclosure. The cross-hatched patterns are merely exemplary preferred materials or are used for clarity in distinguishing adjacent or cooperating parts of the illustrations shown in the drawings.

[0029] In adding reference numerals to the elements of each drawing, identical elements shown in different drawings are designated with the same numbers. Further, in describing aspects of the disclosure, if a detailed description of a related art or function is deemed unnecessary, it will be omitted.

[0030] In the following discussion, the terms "proximal" and "distal" will be used to describe axial opposite ends of the device and axial ends of various component features. The term "proximal" is used in its conventional sense to refer to the end of the device (or component) that is closest to a medical professional during use of the assembly. The term "distal" is used in its conventional sense to refer to the end of the device (or component) that is initially inserted into a patient's body, or that is closest to the patient during use. The term "longitudinal" will be used to refer to an axis that is aligned with the proximal-distal axis 71 of the device (or component), for example when the device is not bent. The terms "radially" and "radial" will be used to refer to elements, surfaces, or assemblies relative to one another that can extend perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis. The terms "peripheral," "circumferentially," and "circumferential" will be used to refer to elements, surfaces, or assemblies relative to one another that encircle or substantially encircle the longitudinal axis at a radius.

[0031] Unless otherwise stated in this document or apparent from context, use of the term "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural. The use of the term "plurality" in the context of describing the disclosure will be defined in the broadest sense, unless otherwise stated in the context of the application, to encompass a number greater than one. Unless otherwise stated in this document or apparent from context, the entire range of values or amounts described herein are intended to be encompassed by each individual value or amount. Unless otherwise stated in this document or apparent from context, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order.

[0032] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "have," "can," "and" and variants thereof are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that do not preclude the possibility of additional acts or structures. The present document also contemplates other examples where "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "have," and "having" are replaced with "consists essentially of" and "consisting essentially of."

[0033] In describing elements of the disclosure, the terms first (1 st ), second (2 nd), first, second, A, B, (a), (b), and the like. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another element, but not to limit the corresponding element regardless of its property or order.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Such terms, e.g., terms that are defined in commonly used dictionaries, are to be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure.

[0035] In the context of the present disclosure, a first piece and a second piece are said to be integral if they are formed as a single piece. For example, a first piece and a second piece are integral if they are cast as a single plastic piece.

[0036] As used herein, the term “about,” when used in the context of an expressed numerical value or range, refers to a ±15% or less variation of that numerical value. For example, a value that differs by ±15%, ±14%, ±10%, or ±5% etc. will meet the definition of “about” unless a more narrow definition is explicitly defined in a particular instance.

[0037] Referring to Figure 1 , an example of a scope system 10 is shown. The scope system 10 can be generally shaped as an elongate tube including a distal portion 12, a central portion 14, and a proximal portion or handle portion 13. The central portion 14 can be a flexible elongate tube with at least one lumen 15 extending through the entire length of the central portion 14. The central portion 14 can connect the distal portion 12 and the proximal portion 13 together. The at least one lumen 15 of the central portion 14 can also extend through the distal portion 12 and the handle portion 13 of the scope system 10. The central portion 14 can be made of a braided material, such as a polyether block amide (including, for example, PEBAX) with a polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”) liner, to provide sufficient torquability and pushability. Other possible materials for the central portion 14 include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon.

[0038] The endoscope system 10 can further include two accessory channels 16, 18, each having a lumen extending therethrough. The accessory channels 16, 18 can be designed as separate elongated tubes that can be movable within at least one lumen 15 of the endoscope system 10, thus allowing longitudinal movement of the accessory channels 16, 18 relative to the central portion 14. While this example includes two accessory channels 16, 18, one or even three or more accessory channels can be included. For example, a single larger accessory channel can be used to accommodate larger endoscope tools. Further, instead of separate accessory channels 16, 18, a single elongated tube can be used with two or more lumens extending therethrough. The accessory channels 16, 18 can range in diameter from 1 millimeter to 10 millimeters. In one example, the accessory channel 16 can have a diameter of 4.2 millimeters, while the accessory channel 18 can have a diameter of 3.7 millimeters. The accessory channels 16, 18 can extend proximally from or through the handle portion 13, through at least one lumen 15 and into the distal portion 12. Various tools, devices, and cameras can be at least partially inserted into and removably disposed in the accessory channels 16, 18.

[0039] Reference is now made to Figure 2 , which shows a detailed view of the distal portion 12 of an example of the endoscope system 10. The endoscope system 10 can include an axially rotatable bearing 80 disposed between the central portion 14 and the distal portion 12, which can allow or permit the distal portion 12 to rotate independently of the central portion 14. The distal portion 12 can have a ribbed flexible construction, in which a plurality of individual ribs 22 are connected together to form an elongated tube having at least one lumen 15. The ribs 22 can be made of a variety of materials, such as polycarbonate, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyoxymethylene. The accessory channels 16, 18 can travel through the ribs 22 to a distal end segment 24 of the distal portion 12. The distal end segment 24 can include a pivot arm 26 (as shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14 ) having a first accessory lumen 28 and a second accessory lumen 30. Distal ends of the accessory channels 16, 18 can be fixedly or movably disposed within the respective first and second accessory lumens 28, 30. The distal end segment 24 can also include a side port 32 that provides access from the at least one lumen 15 to a point outside of the endoscope system 10.

[0040] Examples of the distal end segment 24 of the distal portion 12 are shown in greater detail in Figure 13 and Figure 14 . For clarity, the distal end segment 24 is shown in isolation from Figure 13 and Figure 14The accessory channels 16, 18 are omitted. The pivot arm 26 can be connected or coupled to the distal segment 24 via a pin 34. The pin 34 can form a pivot point about which the pivot arm 26 can rotate or pivotably rotate to the positions shown in Figure 14 . The pivot arm 26 can move between a forward-looking position as shown in Figure 13 and a side-looking position as shown in Figure 14 . Light emitting diode ("LED") lights 35 can be placed on the distal segment 24 to aid in navigating through the patient's GI tract. Alternatively, the LED lights 35 can be placed at other locations on the distal segment 24, such as proximate to the side port 32. Also, multiple LED lights 35 can be used at various locations on the endoscope system 10.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 15 , the distal ends of the accessory channels 16, 18 can be fixed to the pivot arm 26. Thus, when moving the pivot arm 26 between the side-looking and forward-looking configurations, the accessory channels 16, 18 can rotate with the pivot arm 26. Figure 2 The accessory channels 16, 18 are shown in the forward-looking configuration, while Figure 15 the accessory channels 16, 18 are shown in the side-looking configuration. As can be seen in Figure 15 , when in the side-looking configuration and due to the rotation of the pivot arm 26, the distal portions of the accessory channels 16, 18 curve beyond the confines of the ribs 22 and then curve back toward and into the pivot arm 26. Thus, in the forward-looking configuration, the angle of curvature or bend radius of the distal portion 12, or the distal portion curvature angle, is the same as the angle of curvature of the accessory channels 16, 18, such that the accessory channels 16, 18 and the distal portion 12 of the endoscope system 10 are substantially parallel; but in the side-looking configuration, the angle of curvature or bend radius of the accessory channels 16, 18 is greater than the angle of curvature of the distal portion 12, such that the distal portions of the accessory channels 16, 18 extend beyond at least one of the lumens 15 of the distal portion 12.

[0042] To move the pivot arm 26 from the forward view configuration to the side view configuration, the accessory channels 16, 18 can be pushed in the distal direction relative to the proximal portion 13 and the central portion 14, such that a force is applied to the pivot arm 26 through the accessory channels 16, 18. The resulting force causes the pivot arm 26 to rotate about the pivot point of the pin 34, thereby moving the accessory channels 16, 18 and the pivot arm 26 into the side view configuration. To move back to the forward view configuration, a proximal force can be applied to the accessory channels 16, 18 relative to the proximal portion 13 and the central portion 14, thereby transmitting the proximal force to the pivot arm 26. The proximal force then causes the pivot arm 26 to rotate again about the pivot point of the pin 34 in the opposite direction, thereby moving the accessory channels 16, 18 and the pivot arm 26 back to the forward view configuration. To ensure that the accessory channels 16, 18 move in unison during these movements, the accessory channels 16, 18 can be fixed together at any point along the length of the endoscope system 10, or even along the entire length. In one example, the accessory channels 16, 18 can be fixed together using a plastic tubing along the entire length of the central portion. In another example, the accessory channels 16, 18 can be fixed together at multiple portions of the accessory channels 16, 18 that extend beyond the bounds of the distal portion 12 when the endoscope system 10 is in the side view configuration.

[0043] While the pivot arm 26 can be used to assist in transmitting the accessory channels 16, 18 between the forward view configuration and the side view configuration, various other methods and structures can be used. Further, rather than using one pivot arm 26, multiple pivot arms can be used, or one pivot arm can be used for each accessory channel 16, 18. Thus, each accessory channel 16, 18 can be moved independently of one another between the forward view configuration and the side view configuration. Further, the degree of rotation of the pivot arm 26 between the forward view configuration and the side view configuration can vary, possibly ranging from 45 degrees to greater than 135 degrees.

[0044] Figures 3 to 5 Views of examples of the ribs 22, and in particular the annular ribs 40, for an example of an endoscope system 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure are shown. Each annular rib 40 can be shaped to allow minimal contact between the respective annular ribs 40. The endoscope system 10 can include one or more annular ribs 40 at the proximal end of the distal portion 12.

[0045] Figure 3A perspective view showing an example of a circumferentially continuous or "annular" rib 40. The annular rib 40 can be symmetric about a vertical plane 70 that includes both a longitudinal axis 71 and a vertical axis 72 of the endoscope system 10. The vertical axis 72 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 71. The annular rib 40 can include an interior cavity 46 in which the accessory channels 16, 18 can be disposed such that the annular rib 40 encircles the accessory channels 16, 18. The annular rib 40 can include one or more ledge mounts that are integral to the annular rib 40 that protrude toward the interior cavity 46 of the annular rib 40. The one or more ledge mounts can extend over a proximal-distal width of the annular rib 40. The one or more ledge mounts can include a top ledge mount 47. The one or more ledge mounts can include a proximal-distal top ledge mount lumen 48 therethrough. The top ledge mount 47 can include the proximal-distal top ledge mount lumen 48 that extends through from a proximal end of the top ledge mount 47 to a distal end of the top ledge mount 47. The one or more ledge mounts can further include one or more side ledge mounts 44 that protrude from each side of the annular rib 40 toward the interior cavity 46 of the annular rib 40. In some examples of the annular rib 40, the one or more side ledge mounts 44 are positioned symmetrically about the vertical plane 70. Each of the one or more side ledge mounts 44 includes a proximal-distal side ledge mount lumen 42 therethrough. In further examples of the annular rib 40, each side of the annular rib 40 can have one side ledge mount 44. The annular rib 40 can include rib side surface points 49 that protrude longitudinally further than the rib top surface and the rib bottom surface.

[0046] Figure 4 A longitudinal proximal-distal cross-sectional view showing an example of the annular rib 40 highlighting the symmetry of the sides of the annular rib 40 about a vertical plane 70 that includes the longitudinal axis 71, the top ledge mount 47, and the top ledge mount lumen 48.

[0047] Figure 5 A bottom view showing an example of the annular rib 40 highlighting the symmetry of the sides of the annular rib 40 about a vertical plane 70 that includes the longitudinal axis 71, the top ledge mount 47, and the top ledge mount lumen 48 (not shown) in the annular rib 40. Figure 5 Figure 5 ​The asymmetry of the longitudinal surfaces of the annular rib 40 is shown, one of which will be the proximal surface and one of which will be the distal surface. Because the annular ribs 40 will alternate in longitudinal orientation along the distal portion 12 of the endoscope system 10, the distal surface of one annular rib 40 will correspond to the proximal surface of the next annular rib 40. This proximal surface of the next annular rib 40 will correspond to the distal surface of the next successive annular rib 40, and so on. In a particular annular rib 40, the rib side surface point 49 can be on one longitudinal surface, whether that one longitudinal surface is facing the proximal end or the distal end of the endoscope system 10, and the planar side longitudinal surfaces 61, 62 can be on the opposite longitudinal surface. The planar side longitudinal surfaces 61, 62 can intersect at an intersection surface 63. The planar side longitudinal surface 61 can be coplanar with a plane that is at an acute angle (i.e., less than 90 degrees) to a plane that is perpendicular to the vertical plane 70 and the proximal-distal longitudinal axis 71. The planar side longitudinal surface 62 can be coplanar with a second plane that is at an acute angle to the plane that is perpendicular to the proximal-distal longitudinal axis 71. The annular rib 40 can generally have 90-degree rotational-reflection symmetry about an axis that is parallel or identical to the longitudinal axis 71, which is alternatively referred to by persons of ordinary skill as an inappropriate rotation axis, and more particularly as an S4 axis of symmetry. In other words, each annular rib 40 can be generally symmetrical when rotated 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis and reflected through the longitudinal axis 71, such that the rib side surface point 49 can also be an intersection surface of two planar longitudinal surfaces, each of which can be coplanar with a plane that is at an acute angle to the plane that is perpendicular to the proximal-distal longitudinal axis 71. This rotational-reflection symmetry can be independent of the location of any boss mount or boss mount hole, which can not be included in the rotational-reflection symmetry.

[0048] Figures 6 to 8 Another example of a view of a rib 22 (in particular, a circumferentially discontinuous rib 50, which can generally be a "C-shape" in some examples) for an example of an endoscope system 10 constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown. Each circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 can be shaped to allow for minimal contact between the respective circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50. The endoscope system 10 can include one or more circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50 in the distal portion 12 between the distal-most annular rib 40 and the distal end section 24.

[0049] Figure 6A perspective view of an example of a circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 is shown. The circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 can be symmetrical about a vertical plane 70 that includes a longitudinal axis 71 of the endoscope system 10. The circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 can include an interior cavity 56 in which the accessory channel 16, 18 can be disposed such that the circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 generally surrounds the accessory channel 16, 18 and the accessory channel 16, 18 can be reversibly removed from the interior cavity 56 by passing the accessory channel 16, 18 through the bottom rib opening 51. The bottom rib opening 51 interrupts the circumferential continuity of the circumferentially discontinuous rib 50. The circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 can include one or more ledge mounts that are integral with the circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 that protrude toward the interior cavity 56 of the circumferentially discontinuous rib 50. The one or more ledge mounts can extend over a proximal-distal width of the circumferentially discontinuous rib 50. The one or more ledge mounts can include a top ledge mount 57. The top ledge mount 57 can include a proximal-distal top ledge mount lumen 58 therethrough. The top ledge mount lumen 58 extends from a proximal end of the top ledge mount 57 through to a distal end of the top ledge mount 57. The one or more ledge mounts can further include a proximal rib opening ledge mount 53 that can be flush with a surface of the circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 that defines the bottom rib opening 51. In some examples of the circumferentially discontinuous rib 50, the proximal rib opening ledge mount 53 is positioned symmetrically about the vertical plane 70. Each of these proximal rib opening ledge mounts 53 includes a proximal-distal side ledge mount lumen 52 therethrough. In some examples of the circumferentially discontinuous rib 50, the circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 can further include one or more side ledge mounts 54 positioned between each proximal rib opening ledge mount 53 and the top ledge mount 57. Each of the one or more side ledge mounts 54 includes a proximal-distal side ledge mount lumen 52 therethrough. The circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 can include rib side surface points 59 that protrude longitudinally further than a rib top surface.

[0050] Figure 7 A longitudinal proximal-distal cross-sectional view of an example of a circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 is shown highlighting the symmetry of the side of the circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 about a vertical plane 70 that includes a longitudinal axis 71, a top ledge mount 57, and a top ledge mount lumen 58.

[0051] Figure 8 A bottom view of an example of a circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 is shown highlighting the symmetry of the side of the circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 about a vertical plane 70 that includes a longitudinal axis 71, a top ledge mount 57, and a top ledge mount lumen 58 (in this example, the proximal-distal cross-sectional view of the circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 is shown in dashed lines). Figure 8symmetry of the vertical plane 70 (not shown). Figure 8 The longitudinal surfaces of the circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 are shown to be asymmetric, one of which will be a proximal surface and one of which will be a distal surface. Because the circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50 will alternate in longitudinal orientation along the distal portion 12 of the endoscope system 10, the distal surface of one circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 will correspond to the proximal surface of the next circumferentially discontinuous rib 50. This proximal surface of the next circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 will correspond to the distal surface of the next successive circumferentially discontinuous rib 50, and so on. In a particular circumferentially discontinuous rib 50, the rib side surface point 59 can be on one longitudinal surface, whether that one longitudinal surface faces proximally or distally of the endoscope system 10, and the planar side longitudinal surfaces 64, 65 can be on opposite longitudinal surfaces. The planar side longitudinal surfaces 64, 65 can intersect at an intersection surface 66. The planar side longitudinal surface 64 can be coplanar with a plane that is at an acute angle with respect to a cross-sectional plane that intersects perpendicularly with the proximal-distal longitudinal axis 71. The planar side longitudinal surface 65 can be coplanar with a second plane that is at an acute angle with respect to a plane that intersects perpendicularly with the proximal-distal longitudinal axis 71. The circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 can generally have 90-degree rotational-reflection symmetry about an axis that is parallel or identical to the longitudinal axis 71, which is alternatively referred to as an improper rotation axis, and more particularly as an S4 symmetry axis. In other words, each circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 can be approximately symmetrical when rotated 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis 71 and reflected through the longitudinal axis 71, such that the rib side surface point 59 can also be an intersection surface of two planar longitudinal surfaces, each of which can be coplanar with a plane that is at an acute angle with respect to a plane that intersects perpendicularly with the proximal-distal longitudinal axis 71. This rotational-reflection symmetry can not account for the location of any boss mount or boss mount hole, or bottom rib opening 51, which can not be included in the rotational-reflection symmetry.

[0052] Figure 9A and Figure 9B A view of rotational-reflection symmetry associated with an example of a circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 of an example of an endoscope system 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 9A A side view of the circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 is shown. As Figure 9A shown, the rib side surface point 59 can be an intersection surface of two planar longitudinal surfaces. Figure 9B A top view of the circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 is shown, which corresponds to a 90-degree rotational-reflection about the longitudinal axis 71 of the circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 shown in Figure 9A As shown, the rib side surface point 59 can be an intersection surface of two planar longitudinal surfaces. Figure 9BAs shown, planar side longitudinal surfaces 64, 65 can intersect at intersection surface 66, similar to Figure 9A The two planar longitudinal surfaces intersect at rib side surface point 59 in the annular rib 40 and the 90 degree rotational-reflection symmetry of the circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 advantageously provides four-way deflection of the curved section of the distal portion 12 of the endoscope system 10. The curved section can advantageously move precisely laterally, rather than at an angle. Further, this 90 degree rotational-reflection symmetry advantageously provides equal bending of the curved section left (i.e., a "first direction") and right (i.e., a "second direction", opposite the first direction) in a horizontal plane including longitudinal axis 71 and up (i.e., a "third direction", perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction) and down (i.e., a "fourth direction", opposite the third direction) in a vertical plane 70.

[0053] Figure 10 and Figure 11 A detailed view of an example of a distal portion 12 of an endoscope system 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 10 A top view of an example of a distal portion 12 of an endoscope system 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is shown. The distal portion 12 of the endoscope system 10 can include one or more annular ribs 40 at a proximal end of the distal portion 12. The one or more annular ribs 40 are arranged in an order of opposite orientation, with a most proximal annular rib 40 arranged such that an intersection surface 63 can point distally. An annular rib 40 adjacent to the most proximal annular rib 40 is arranged such that an intersection surface 63 can point proximally to face the intersection surface 63 of the most proximal annular rib 40. A next distal annular rib 40 is arranged in turn such that an intersection surface 63 can point distally. The curved section can include a pair of further distal annular ribs 40, and such pair can be arranged such that an intersection surface 63 of a most distal annular rib 40 can point distally. A planar side longitudinal surface 61 of the most proximal annular rib 40 and a planar side longitudinal surface 62 of the annular rib 40 adjacent to the most proximal annular rib 40 can form an angle. The angle between the planar side longitudinal surface 61 pointing proximally and the planar side longitudinal surface 62 of the adjacent annular rib 40 pointing distally can be an angle from about 5 degrees to about 90 degrees, preferably from about 40 degrees to about 60 degrees, depending on left and right movement of the curved section during operation.

[0054] The curved section will include one or more circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50 distal of the most distal annular rib 40. A proximal circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 can be arranged such that an intersection surface 66 can point proximally to face the intersection surface 63 of the most distal annular rib 40. A planar side longitudinal surface 61 of the most distal annular rib 40 and a planar side longitudinal surface 64 of the proximal circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 can form an angle, which can be an angle from about 5 degrees to about 90 degrees, preferably from about 40 degrees to about 60 degrees, depending on left and right movement of the curved section during operation. Figure 10The angle a can be an angle from about 5 degrees to about 90 degrees, preferably from about 40 degrees to about 60 degrees, depending on the left and right movement of the curved section during operation. The curved section can include a pair of additional circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50, and such a pair can be arranged so that the intersection surface 66 of the distal-most circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 can point proximally. The planar side longitudinal surface 64 of the distally pointing circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 and the planar side longitudinal surface 65 of the proximally pointing adjacent circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 can form an angle. The angle between the planar side longitudinal surface 64 and the adjacent planar side longitudinal surface 65 can be an angle from about 5 degrees to about 90 degrees, preferably from about 40 degrees to about 60 degrees, depending on the up and down movement of the curved section during operation.

[0055] Figure 11 A side view of an example of the distal portion 12 of the endoscope system 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is shown. While the proximal-most annular rib 40 is arranged so that the intersection surface 63 can point distally, the rib side surface point 49 can point proximally due to the advantageous 90-degree rotational-reflectional symmetry of the annular rib 40, as shown. Figure 11 The two annular ribs 40 adjacent to the proximal-most annular rib 40 are arranged so that the rib side surface point 49 of one annular rib 40 faces the rib side surface point 49 of the adjacent annular rib 40, as shown. Figure 11 The planar side longitudinal surfaces of the annular ribs 40 intersect at the rib side surface point 49 so that adjacent annular ribs 40, which face each other at their rib side surface points 49, can form an angle between the planar side longitudinal surfaces of the adjacent annular ribs 40. The angle between the planar side longitudinal surfaces can be an angle from about 5 degrees to about 90 degrees, preferably from about 40 degrees to about 60 degrees, depending on the up and down movement of the curved section during operation. The planar side longitudinal surfaces of the circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50 intersect at the rib side surface point 59 so that adjacent circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50, which face each other at their rib side surface points 59, can form an angle between the planar side longitudinal surfaces of the adjacent circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50. The angle between the planar side longitudinal surfaces can be an angle from about 5 degrees to about 90 degrees, preferably from about 40 degrees to about 60 degrees, depending on the up and down movement of the curved section during operation.

[0056] Figure 12Another example of an example assembly of ribs 22 on a series of one or more control wires 60 is shown. Control wires 60 can be fixedly attached to distal section 24 and extend parallel through or to the exterior of at least one lumen 15 to handle portion 13. Alternatively, control wires 60 can extend along the length of endoscope system 10 through a dedicated low-friction lumen or conduit to handle portion 13. First control wire 60 can be fixed to the wall of distal section 24 such that control wire 60 passes through top tab mount lumen 58 of one or more circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50 and through top tab mount lumens 48 of one or more annular ribs 40. Additional control wires 60 can be fixed to advantageous locations on the wall of distal section 24 such that control wires 60 pass through side tab mount lumens 52 of one or more circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50 and through corresponding side tab mount lumens 42 of one or more annular ribs 40, as shown. Figure 12 Endoscope system 10 can include three, four, five, or more control wires 60. In addition to being able to switch between forward and side viewing configurations, distal portion 12 of endoscope system 10 can advantageously be bent and rotated as needed. Figure 15 Distal portion 12 is shown in a straight configuration such that control wires 60 are straight and parallel, Figure 16 Distal portion 12 is shown in a curved configuration such that control wires 60 are parallel but not straight. To move distal portion 12 from the straight configuration shown in Figure 15 Distal portion 12 is shown in a curved configuration such that control wires 60 are parallel but not straight. To move distal portion 12 from the straight configuration shown in Figure 16 Figure 15 ​The second and third control wires 60 opposite to the initially pulled control wire 60 can be pulled in the proximal direction in order to move the distal portion 12 back to the straight configuration. Because the second and third control wires 60 are connected to opposite sides of the distal segment 24, force is applied through the second and third control wires 60 and to the distal segment 24, which can move the distal portion 12 back toward the straight configuration. The side tab mount lumens 42 and 52 of the annular ribs 40 and the circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50, respectively, can advantageously be arranged such that the control wires 60 can allow force to be applied through the control wires 60 and to the distal segment 24 and reversibly move the distal segment 24 upward, downward, left, or right. The side tab mount lumens 42 and 52 can advantageously be positioned on one or more annular ribs 40 and one or more circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50 such that the bend segments are not pulled out of plane, which allows the bend segments to advantageously move precisely laterally rather than at an angle and without increasing force transmission by simultaneously pulling on the annular ribs 40 or the circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50. The circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50 can be arranged on the control wires 60 such that the bottom rib openings 51 are longitudinally aligned such that the bottom rib openings 51 open in the same direction or coaxially.

[0057] Figure 17 A detailed view of an example of the axially rotatable bearing 80 of the example of the endoscope system 10 and its function is shown. The axially rotatable bearing 80 can include a first ring 81 and a second ring 82. The axially rotatable bearing 80 can also include a first tube 83 and a second tube 84. The first tube 83 can be fixedly attached to the center portion 14 and the first ring 81. The second tube 84 can be fixedly attached to the distal portion 12 and the second ring 82. The first tube 83 and the first ring 81 can be free to rotate relative to the second tube 84 and the second ring 82, thereby making the distal portion 12 free to rotate relative to the center portion 14. Because the first ring 81 is indirectly fixed to the center portion 14 but is distal to the second ring 82, which is indirectly fixed to the distal portion 12, the distal portion 12 and the center portion 14 can remain fixed to each other while still remaining free to rotate relative to each other. The distal portion 12 can be free to rotate when the endoscope system 10 is in any of the above-described configurations, including the forward view configuration, the side view configuration, the straight configuration, and the curved configuration. The accessory channels 16, 18 and the control wires 60 can be free to pass through the inner lumens 15 of the axially rotatable bearing 80 without causing interference or minimal interference to the axially rotatable bearing 80. This is just one possible design of the axially rotatable bearing 80, and various other designs that allow the distal portion 12 to be free to rotate relative to the center portion 14 can be used.

[0058] The control wires 60 can also advantageously secure one or more of the annular ribs 40 and one or more of the circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50 of the distal portion 12 together. Sufficient tension can be applied to the control wires 60 to advantageously secure one or more of the annular ribs 40 and one or more of the circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50 together along the control wires 60. As a result of this design, one or more of the annular ribs 40 and one or more of the circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50 can advantageously be shaped to allow minimal contact between the individual one or more of the annular ribs 40 and / or one or more of the circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50. Optionally, one or more of the control wires 60 can include a built-in electrical wire from a power source that allows one or more of the control wires 60 to also serve as an electrical circuit for the LED lights 35. Alternatively or in addition to one or more of the control wires 60, one or more of the annular ribs 40 and / or one or more of the circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50 can be connected together using a variety of other methods, such as using mechanical hinges, adhesives, and other well-known means of connection. Further, similar to one or more of the control wires 60, additional elongated members can extend through the top tab mount inner cavities 48 and 58 and / or the side tab mount inner cavities 42 and 52 to provide additional support to the distal portion 12.

[0059] Further, one or more of the annular ribs 40 and one or more of the circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50 can be covered by a protective sheath that can be made of a variety of biocompatible materials, such as elastomeric materials. The protective sheath can protect one or more of the annular ribs 40 and one or more of the circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50 while also preventing bodily tissue from being inadvertently pinched between the individual one or more of the annular ribs 40 and one or more of the circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50 when the distal portion 12 is moved between the curved configuration and the straight configuration. The protective sheath can also include a slot corresponding to the bottom rib opening 51 in the circumferentially discontinuous rib 50 that allows the accessory channel 16, 18 to move to the outside of the protective sheath and between the forward-looking configuration and the side-looking configuration. The protective sheath can also advantageously assist in torque transfer when the distal portion 12 is moved between the curved configuration and the straight configuration. Some natural lag can occur when manipulating one or more of the control wires 60, which can cause a portion of the distal portion 12 to initially move while the rest of the distal portion 12 lags behind, but eventually also moves. The protective sheath can advantageously ensure that the entire distal portion 12 moves together and with minimal lag.

[0060] The endoscope system 10 can be moved between a curved configuration and a straight configuration, and the endoscope system 10 can also be in a forward-looking configuration or a side-looking configuration. For example, Figure 15 The endoscope system 10 is shown in a straight and side-looking configuration. The endoscope system 10 can be manipulated and used in any combination of the above configurations, and can be repeatedly moved between all configurations.

[0061] Accessory channels 16, 18 can be used to provide access for various medical tools and accessories through endoscope system 10 and into a patient's body. For example, a camera system can be inserted into one of accessory channels 16, while various tools including but not limited to forceps, sphincterotomes, wires, dilation balloons, extraction balloons, stents, needle knives, hemostatic clips, and any other catheter-based tools can be inserted into the other accessory channels 18. These tools can be advanced beyond the distal ends of accessory channels 16, 18, where they can be used to operate on a patient.

[0062] Endoscope system 10, or any portion thereof, can be designed to be disposable, thus reducing the risk of bacterial infection due to incomplete cleaning between uses.

[0063] The present disclosure further contemplates a method of using endoscope system 10, the method comprising the steps of: inserting endoscope system 10 into a patient's body, endoscope system 10 comprising an elongate tube comprising at least one lumen 15 and one or more accessory channels 16, 18 movably disposed at least partially within the at least one lumen 15 of the elongate tube, the one or more accessory channels 16, 18 comprising a tubular structure comprising a first accessory lumen 28 and a second accessory lumen 30 extending therethrough; and moving control wire 60 so as to bend distal portion 12 of the elongate tube in a first direction.

[0064] The method of using endoscope system 10 can further comprise the step of: positioning endoscope system 10 into an anterior view configuration, wherein, in the anterior view configuration, distal end segment 24 of the one or more accessory channels 16, 18 is substantially parallel to distal portion 12 of the elongate tube.

[0065] The method of using endoscope system 10 can further comprise the step of: moving endoscope system 10 into a lateral view configuration, wherein, in the lateral view configuration, distal end segment 24 of the one or more accessory channels 16, 18 is curved with a radius greater than a radius of distal portion 12 of the elongate tube. The step of moving endoscope system 10 into the lateral view configuration can further comprise rotating distal end segment 24 of the one or more accessory channels 16, 18 about a pivot point of distal portion 12 of the elongate tube.

[0066] The method of using endoscope system 10 can further comprise the step of: moving second control wire 60 so as to bend distal portion 12 of the elongate tube in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

[0067] The method of using the endoscope system 10 can further include the step of moving the third control wire 60 to bend the distal portion 12 of the elongate tube in a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction.

[0068] The method of using the endoscope system 10 can further include the step of moving the fourth control wire 60 to bend the distal portion 12 of the elongate tube in a fourth direction, the fourth direction being opposite the third direction.

[0069] The method of using the endoscope system 10 can further include the step of moving the endoscope system 10 from the side view configuration back to the forward view configuration.

[0070] The method of using the endoscope system 10 can further include the step of removing the one or more accessory channels 16, 18 from the interior cavity 56 of the one or more circumferentially discontinuous ribs 50.

[0071] While the disclosure has been described with reference to examples and drawings, it is not limited thereto and can be modified and changed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0072] In addition, the subject matter of the present disclosure can concern the following aspects:

[0073] A first aspect is directed to a scope system comprising: an elongate tube comprising a lumen extending therethrough, the elongate tube further comprising a distal portion; at least one accessory channel comprising a tubular structure comprising an accessory lumen extending therethrough, the at least one accessory channel being movably disposed at least partially within the lumen, the at least one accessory channel comprising a distal end section; a first control wire connected to the distal portion of the elongate tube and extending proximally along the elongate tube; a second control wire connected to the distal portion of the elongate tube and extending proximally along the elongate tube in parallel to the first control wire; a third control wire connected to the distal portion of the elongate tube and extending proximally along the elongate tube in parallel to the first control wire and the second control wire; and a fourth control wire connected to the distal portion of the elongate tube and extending proximally along the elongate tube in parallel to the first control wire, the second control wire, and the third control wire; wherein proximal movement of the first control wire bends the distal portion in a first direction; wherein proximal movement of the second control wire bends the distal portion in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; wherein proximal movement of the third control wire bends the distal portion in a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction; and wherein proximal movement of the fourth control wire bends the distal portion in a fourth direction, the fourth direction being opposite to the third direction.

[0074] A second aspect is directed to the scope system of aspect 1, wherein the distal portion comprises a plurality of circumferentially discontinuous ribs, each of the plurality of circumferentially discontinuous ribs comprising a rib opening, the rib openings of the plurality of circumferentially discontinuous ribs being coaxial; wherein each of the plurality of circumferentially discontinuous ribs surrounds the at least one accessory channel; and wherein the at least one accessory channel is reversibly removable from an interior cavity of each of the plurality of circumferentially discontinuous ribs through the rib openings.

[0075] The third aspect is directed to the scope system of any preceding aspect, wherein the distal portion further comprises: a plurality of annular ribs, each of the plurality of annular ribs is generally 90 degrees rotation-reflection symmetric about the proximal-distal longitudinal axis, each of the plurality of annular ribs encircles the at least one accessory channel, each of the plurality of annular ribs comprises an annular rib proximal surface and an annular rib distal surface, the annular rib proximal surface comprises a plurality of annular rib planar surfaces and the annular rib distal surface comprises a plurality of annular rib planar surfaces, each of the plurality of annular rib planar surfaces is at an angle of less than 90 degrees with respect to a cross-sectional plane, the cross-sectional plane intersects the proximal-distal longitudinal axis; each of the plurality of circumferentially discontinuous ribs is generally 90 degrees rotation-reflection symmetric about the proximal-distal longitudinal axis, each of the plurality of circumferentially discontinuous ribs further comprises a proximal surface and a distal surface, the proximal surface comprises a plurality of planar faces and the distal surface comprises a plurality of planar surfaces, each of the plurality of planar surfaces is at an angle of less than 90 degrees with respect to the cross-sectional plane; and wherein the first control wire, the second control wire, the third control wire, and the fourth control wire connect the plurality of annular ribs and the plurality of circumferentially discontinuous ribs.

[0076] The fourth aspect is directed to the scope system of any preceding aspect, wherein the at least one accessory channel is movable between a forward viewing configuration and a side viewing configuration; wherein in the forward viewing configuration, the distal end segment is substantially parallel to the distal portion; and wherein in the side viewing configuration, the distal end segment is disposed at a curvature angle with respect to the distal portion.

[0077] The fifth aspect is directed to the scope system of any preceding aspect, wherein the distal end segment is rotatably coupled to the distal portion.

[0078] The sixth aspect is directed to the scope system of any preceding aspect, further comprising an axially rotatable bearing disposed between the distal portion and the proximal portion of the elongate tube, the axially rotatable bearing allowing the distal portion to rotate about a proximal-distal longitudinal axis with respect to the proximal portion.

[0079] The seventh aspect is directed to the scope system of any preceding aspect, further comprising a light connected to the distal portion, wherein one of the first control wire, the second control wire, the third control wire, and the fourth control wire further comprises an electrical wire between the light and a power source.

[0080] The eighth aspect is directed to the scope system of any preceding aspect, wherein the camera system is at least partially and removably disposed within the at least one accessory inner lumen.

[0081] The ninth aspect is directed to the scope system of any preceding aspect, wherein the at least one accessory lumen is configured to receive a tool.

[0082] The tenth aspect is directed to the scope system of any preceding aspect, wherein the plurality of circumferentially discontinuous ribs are distal to the plurality of annular ribs.

[0083] The eleventh aspect is directed to the scope system of any preceding aspect, wherein an angle between a planar surface of a circumferentially discontinuous rib and a second planar surface of an adjacent circumferentially discontinuous rib facing the planar surface is about 5 degrees to about 90 degrees.

[0084] The twelfth aspect is directed to the scope system of any of aspects 2-11, wherein an angle between a planar surface of a circumferentially discontinuous rib and a third planar surface of an adjacent annular rib facing the planar surface is about 5 degrees to about 90 degrees.

[0085] The thirteenth aspect is directed to the scope system of any of aspects 2-11, wherein an angle between a fourth planar surface of an annular rib and a fifth planar surface of an adjacent annular rib facing the fourth planar surface is about 5 degrees to about 90 degrees.

[0086] The fourteenth aspect is directed to the scope system of any of aspects 2-13, further comprising a fifth control wire; wherein proximal movement of the fourth control wire and the fifth control wire bends the distal portion in the fourth direction; and wherein the fifth control wire connects the plurality of annular ribs and the plurality of circumferentially discontinuous ribs.

[0087] The fifteenth aspect is directed to the scope system of any of aspects 4-14, wherein in the side view configuration, the angle of curvature is greater than a distal portion angle of curvature.

[0088] The sixteenth aspect is directed to the scope system of any of aspects 4-14, wherein in the forward view configuration, the distal end segment is disposed substantially within a lumen of the distal portion.

[0089] The seventeenth aspect is directed to the scope system of any of aspects 4-14, wherein movement of a proximal portion of the at least one accessory channel relative to the elongate tube in a distal direction moves the at least one accessory channel from the forward view configuration to the side view configuration.

[0090] The eighteenth aspect is directed to the scope system of any of aspects 4-14, wherein movement of a proximal portion of the at least one accessory channel relative to the elongate tube in a proximal direction moves the at least one accessory channel from the side view configuration to the forward view configuration.

[0091] A nineteenth aspect is directed to a method of using a scope system, the method comprising: inserting a endoscope system into a body of a patient, the endoscope system comprising: an elongate tube comprising a lumen therethrough, the elongate tube further comprising a distal portion; at least one accessory channel comprising a tubular structure comprising an accessory lumen extending therethrough, the at least one accessory channel movably disposed at least partially within the lumen, the at least one accessory channel comprising a distal end section; and a plurality of parallel control wires, each of the plurality of parallel control wires connected to the distal portion of the elongate tube and extending proximally along the elongate tube, individual proximal movement of one or more of the plurality of parallel control wires causing the distal portion to bend in one of a first direction, a second direction, a third direction, and a fourth direction, the second direction opposite the first direction, the third direction perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction, and the fourth direction opposite the third direction; moving one or more of the plurality of parallel control wires so as to cause the distal portion to bend in one of the first direction, the second direction, the third direction, and the fourth direction; positioning the endoscope system into a forward view configuration, wherein, in the forward view configuration, the distal end section is substantially parallel to the distal portion; and moving the endoscope system into a side view configuration, wherein, in the side view configuration, the distal end section is disposed at a curvature angle greater than a curvature angle of the distal portion.

[0092] In addition to the features mentioned in each of the independent aspects listed above, some examples can exhibit, alone or in combination, optional features mentioned in the dependent aspects and / or disclosed in the above description and illustrated in the drawings.

Claims

1. A endoscopic system, the endoscopic system comprising: An elongated tube comprising at least one lumen extending longitudinally from a proximal portion to a distal portion. The distal portion includes multiple annular ribs and multiple circumferential discontinuous ribs, wherein rib openings define the discontinuity aspect of each of the multiple circumferential discontinuous ribs. At least one tubular structure including a fitting cavity extending longitudinally as a fitting channel through the at least one tubular structure, the at least one tubular structure being movably disposed at least partially within the cavity of the elongated tube, the at least one tubular structure including a distal section attached to a distal portion of the elongated tube. Each of the plurality of annular ribs surrounds the at least one tubular structure, and each of the plurality of circumferential discontinuous ribs partially surrounds the at least one tubular structure. At least one control wire is connected to the distal portion of the elongated tube and extends proximally along the elongated tube; Wherein, the proximal movement of the at least one control wire causes the distal portion to bend along the first direction; The at least one control wire extends along the length of the elongated tube and connects the plurality of annular ribs and the plurality of circumferential discontinuous ribs; Among them, the rib openings of the multiple circumferential discontinuous ribs are coaxial, and The longitudinal portion of the at least one tubular structure is capable of moving laterally into and out of the internal cavity of each of the plurality of circumferential discontinuous ribs through the rib opening.

2. The endoscope system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of annular ribs includes a proximal surface and a distal surface, the proximal surface including a plurality of annular rib planar surfaces and the distal surface including a plurality of annular rib planar surfaces, each of the plurality of annular rib planar surfaces being disposed at an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the cross-sectional plane of the elongated tube, the cross-sectional plane intersecting the proximal-distal longitudinal axis; and in, Each of the plurality of circumferential discontinuous ribs includes a proximal surface and a distal surface, the proximal surface including a plurality of planar surfaces and the distal surface including a plurality of planar surfaces, each of the plurality of planar surfaces being disposed at an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the cross-sectional plane.

3. The endoscope system as described in claim 2, wherein, The multiple circumferential discontinuous ribs are located on the distal side of the multiple annular ribs.

4. The endoscope system as described in claim 2, wherein, The angle between the planar surface of the circumferential discontinuous rib and the second planar surface of the adjacent circumferential discontinuous rib facing that planar surface is between 5 degrees and 90 degrees.

5. The endoscope system as described in claim 2, wherein, The angle between the planar surface of the circumferential discontinuous rib and the third planar surface of the adjacent annular rib facing that planar surface is approximately 5 degrees to approximately 90 degrees.

6. The endoscope system as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The angle between the fourth planar surface of the annular rib and the fifth planar surface of the adjacent annular rib facing the fourth planar surface is approximately 5 degrees to approximately 90 degrees.

7. The endoscope system of claim 1, wherein the at least one control cable comprises a plurality of control cables.

8. The endoscope system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The at least one tubular structure is movable between the front view configuration and the side view configuration; In this forward-looking configuration, the distal section of the tubular structure is positioned substantially parallel to the distal portion of the elongated tube; and In this side-view configuration, the distal section of the tubular structure is set at a curvature angle relative to the distal portion of the elongated tube.

9. The endoscope system as claimed in claim 8, wherein, In this side-view configuration, the curvature angle is greater than the curvature angle of the distal portion.

10. The endoscope system of claim 8, wherein, In this forward-looking configuration, the distal section of the tubular structure is essentially located within the lumen of the distal portion of the elongated tube.

11. The endoscope system as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The movement of the proximal portion of the at least one tubular structure relative to the elongated tube in the distal direction moves the at least one tubular structure from the front view configuration to the side view configuration.

12. The endoscope system as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The movement of the proximal portion of the at least one tubular structure relative to the elongated tube in the proximal direction moves the at least one tubular structure from the side view configuration to the front view configuration.

13. The endoscope system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The distal section of the tubular structure is rotatably connected to the distal portion of the elongated tube.

14. The endoscope system of claim 1, further comprising an axially rotatable bearing disposed between the distal and proximal portions of the elongated tube, the axially rotatable bearing allowing the distal portion to rotate relative to the proximal portion of the elongated tube about a proximal-distal longitudinal axis.

15. The endoscope system of claim 1, further comprising a lamp connected to the distal portion of the elongated tube, and further comprising wires to provide electrical transmission between the lamp and a power source.

16. The endoscope system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The camera system is at least partially and removably disposed within the cavity of the at least one accessory.

17. The endoscope system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The cavity of at least one accessory is configured to receive the tool.

18. A endoscopic system comprising: An elongated tube includes an inner cavity extending through it, and the elongated tube further includes a distal portion including a plurality of annular ribs and a plurality of circumferential discontinuous ribs, each of the plurality of circumferential discontinuous ribs including a rib opening, the rib openings of the plurality of circumferential discontinuous ribs being coaxial. At least one tubular fitting channel structure, the at least one tubular fitting channel structure including a fitting cavity extending therethrough, each of a plurality of annular ribs surrounding the at least one fitting channel structure and each of a plurality of circumferential discontinuous ribs partially surrounding the at least one fitting channel structure, the at least one fitting channel structure being movably disposed at least partially within the cavity of the elongated tube, the at least one fitting channel structure including a distal section; At least one first control wire and a second control wire, each of the first control wire and the second control wire being respectively connected to the distal portion of the elongated tube and extending proximally along the elongated tube; Specifically, the proximal movement of the first control wire causes the distal portion to bend along a first direction, and the proximal movement of the second control wire causes the distal portion to bend along a second direction different from the first direction; and The at least one accessory channel structure includes a portion that can be reversibly moved laterally through the rib openings of the plurality of circumferentially discontinuous ribs.

19. The endoscope system of claim 18, wherein, The at least one accessory channel structure is movable between the front view configuration and the side view configuration; In this forward-looking configuration, the distal segment is substantially parallel to the distal portion; and In this side-view configuration, the distal segment is set with a curvature angle that is greater than that of the distal portion.

20. A endoscopic system comprising: An elongated tubular body, formed by a plurality of annular ribs and a plurality of circumferentially discontinuous ribs, having a longitudinally continuous internal cavity space that extends through at least a length of the central region of the elongated tubular body; In this circumferential discontinuous rib, at least one or more ribs are set to be adjacent to each other; Each of the plurality of annular ribs and the plurality of circumferential discontinuous ribs includes a first longitudinal surface located on the rib body side opposite to the second longitudinal surface; and Wherein, along at least one longitudinal portion of the elongated tubular body, the first longitudinal surface of the first rib of the annular rib or circumferential discontinuous rib is oriented toward the first longitudinal surface of an adjacent rib in the annular rib or circumferential discontinuous rib, and the second longitudinal surface of the first rib is oriented toward the second longitudinal surface of a different adjacent rib in the annular rib or circumferential discontinuous rib, and Wherein, at least one of the circumferential discontinuous ribs does not completely surround the inner cavity space along the entire axial length of the at least one circumferential discontinuous rib.

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