Flexible endoscope

Abstract

A catheter (50) of a flexible endoscope (100). The catheter (50) includes a catheter body defined by a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is connectable to an umbilical portion (5) of a flexible endoscope (100) and the distal end defines a deflectable portion. The catheter body defines a first channel (1), a second channel (2) and a third channel (3). The first channel (1) accommodates at least one of the optical system and deflection means for deflecting the deflectable portion, and the second channel (2) and the third channel (3) are configured to expand when in operation. The catheter (50) comprises an actuating member (18) insertable into the second channel (2) of the catheter body. The actuation member (18) is operable to selectively expand the second channel (2). The second channel (2) is operable in a plurality of modes when expanded, and one of the plurality of modes of the second channel (2) is configured to allow a suction operation in the second channel (2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of biomedical devices. In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a flexible endoscopic device. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a catheter of a flexible endoscopic device enabling the flexible endoscopic device to be collapsed, expanded and / or allow performing operations such as suction, injection and / or insufflation. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, in the biomedical field, endoscopic devices are used for inspecting and / or analyzing internal conditions of a subject. Such endoscopic devices are typically insertable into the subject through an incision made at a predetermined location or at a naturally formed or available lumen of the subject. For proper functioning, the endoscopic device is configured to be flexible, i.e. the endoscopic device is typically bendable, enabling such device to be moved, navigated and actuated through an opening defined in the subject.

[0003] Such flexible endoscopes typically comprise a connector section, a control section and an insertion section. The insertion section comprises an insertion tube having an opening at a distal end for contacting the subject. The insertion tube comprises a conduit and an imaging unit, which can be integrally connected with a deflection device, wherein the imaging unit and the deflection device together with the conduit can be introduced into the subject. The imaging and deflection device can comprise, but are not limited to, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc. Further, the conduit of the flexible endoscope is configured to carry irrigation fluid as well as auxiliary instruments in the form of laser fibers, baskets, etc.

[0004] One of the fields in which endoscopy is expanding is for the removal of kidney stones, also known as flexible ureterorenoscopy, often referred to as retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). For such procedures in the kidney portion of a subject, a flexible endoscope can be passed through a portion of the urethra to the bladder of the subject. The flexible endoscope is then passed through the ureter, the distal portion of which typically has a diameter of about 2 mm to 3 mm. However, in order for this portion of the ureter to allow the flexible endoscope to pass through, it is required that the insertion tube of the flexible endoscope has the same or smaller diameter to prevent any damage to the tissue of the kidney portion of the subject.

[0005] Flexible endoscopes are currently used to treat kidney stones through a procedure known as retrograde intrarenal surgery, wherein the endoscope is sized to be in the range of about 2.5 mm to 3.00 mm in cross-sectional diameter. Access sheaths are used to facilitate passage of the flexible endoscope to the collecting system of the subject's kidney. These access sheaths are typically greater than 3 mm in diameter. Several access sheaths have been designed to have the function of aspirating dust and small kidney stone fragments after laser lithotripsy during retrograde intrarenal surgery of kidney stones. Even the small channel of the traditional flexible endoscope is used to aspirate dust.

[0006] The disadvantages / difficulties / shortcomings / limitations of the conventional techniques / systems explained in the background section are for example purposes only and the present disclosure is in no way limited to these limitations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure and the description that follows can address other issues or overcome disadvantages in the conventional techniques not explicitly mentioned above. SUMMARY

[0007] One or more shortcomings of the conventional techniques are overcome by the flexible endoscope as described herein and additional advantages are provided by the flexible endoscope described in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other implementations and aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

[0008] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a catheter of a flexible endoscope is disclosed. The catheter includes a catheter body defined by a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is connectable to an umbilical portion of the flexible endoscope, while the distal end defines a deflectable portion. The catheter body defines a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel. The first channel houses at least one of an optical system and a deflection device for deflecting the deflectable portion, and the second and third channels are configured to be dilated upon operation.

[0009] Further, the catheter includes a covering configured to cover a majority of the first channel of the catheter body. An inner surface of the first channel of the catheter is recessed and concave to accommodate the second and third channels of the catheter body. The catheter further includes an actuation member introducible into the second channel of the catheter body. The actuation member is operable to selectively dilate the second channel, wherein the second channel is operable in a plurality of modes upon dilation, and one of the plurality of modes of the second channel is configured to allow an aspiration operation in the second channel. The third channel is for irrigation purposes.

[0010] The foregoing description of the invention is merely illustrative and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, in addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The novel features and characteristics of this disclosure are set forth in the appended description. However, the disclosure itself, its preferred modes of use, further objects and advantages, will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and in the drawings: Figure 1 A flexible endoscope according to the present disclosure is shown, the flexible endoscope including a catheter capable of operating in multiple modes, and one of the multiple modes of the catheter being configured to allow aspiration operations to be performed within the flexible endoscope.

[0012] Figure 2 The following is shown in accordance with this disclosure: Figure 1 The actuation component of the flexible endoscope includes multiple sheaths.

[0013] Figure 3a and Figure 3b The first and second modes of a plurality of modes of the flexible endoscope according to the present disclosure are shown respectively.

[0014] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter of a flexible endoscope according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The portion of the catheter is capable of accommodating an actuating member having multiple sheaths.

[0015] The figures depict embodiments of the present disclosure for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the apparatus may be employed without departing from the principles of the present disclosure described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0016] While various modifications and alternatives may be made to the embodiments described herein, specific embodiments have been illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described below. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit this disclosure to the specific forms disclosed; rather, this disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of this disclosure.

[0017] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variation thereof, used in this disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device or an apparatus or method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but can include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such apparatus or device. In other words, one or more elements of a device / system / assembly that is preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the device or system or method.

[0018] In an embodiment, the term "detachable" refers to the ability of a portion of the flexible endoscope to be divided into a plurality of pieces, wherein the pieces can be temporarily fixed and then introduced into the opening of the subject. Alternatively, the pieces can form the flexible endoscope while being inserted into the subject or during insertion into the opening of the subject.

[0019] In an embodiment, the term "aspiration" refers to the action of generating a negative pressure at the distal portion of the flexible endoscope or along the entire length of the catheter and the entire length of the flexible endoscope. Such negative pressure can be generated based on connecting an aspiration generating device, such as a pump or a vacuum tube or as an integral part of the catheter or the flexible endoscope or any other element / component that can be externally coupled to the catheter and the flexible endoscope. Alternatively, the term can be interchangeable with the process of aspiration, evacuation, dispensing, retrieval and / or removal. The term "aspiration" can also be used collectively for the process of aspiration, evacuation, dispensing, retrieval and / or removal.

[0020] In an embodiment, the term "deformable material" can refer to a material that is capable of elastically bending when subjected to bending and does not create jagged or sharp edges.

[0021] In an embodiment, the term "auxiliary device" can refer to a device that can be introduced into the catheter of the flexible endoscope or operate with the flexible endoscope to adjust the action performed therethrough. In a certain embodiment, the auxiliary device of the flexible endoscope as a ureteroscope or RIRS instrument can include: a basket or a carrier configured to bring out stone fragments from the subject; or a laser cable capable of lithotripsy, or an element capable of directing aspiration through the catheter for selectively adjusting the pressure within the flexible endoscope and in turn the pressure within a portion of the subject for retrieving at least the fragments or dust at the location of the ureterorenoscopy or intrarenal examination.

[0022] The present disclosure refers in the following paragraphs to Figures 1 to 4are described. In the drawings, one or more identical elements of the same function are indicated by the same reference signs. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the catheters and flexible endoscopes disclosed in the present disclosure can be used in any flexible endoscope, such as but not limited to a gastroscope, enteroscope, laryngoscope, bronchoscope, angioscope, RIRS instrument, etc. In particular, some of the embodiments can be shown and described with respect to a ureterorenoscope.

[0023] Figure 1 A flexible endoscope (100) (hereinafter also interchangeably referred to as "device (100)") and a catheter (50) of the flexible endoscope (100) according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. The endoscope (100) comprises a handle (4) at the proximal end (A) for being held, adjusted and operated by an operator. The handle (4) can be configured to include and hide operating mechanisms, such as a displacement tool (not shown in the figures), based on which the flexible endoscope (100) can be operated by the operator. In addition, the flexible endoscope (100) or the handle (4) comprises a control of a deflection means (4a) (as shown) defined on the handle (4) and away from the holding position of the operator, wherein such deflection means can be operable by the displacement tool included in the handle (4). Due to such configuration, the manipulation of orienting the flexible endoscope (100) to a region of interest of the subject or within the subject or the manipulation of the flexible endoscope within the subject or within the region of interest of the subject of interest can be performed. In addition, the deflection means is connectable to a deflectable portion (6) of the catheter (50) at one end (B) of the flexible endoscope (100). The deflectable portion (6) is configured to be introduced at least to the region of interest and adapted to be in contact with the subject (not shown in the figures), wherein the orientation of the deflectable portion (6) is controlled and selectively adjusted by the operator through the deflection means at the handle (4).

[0024] In addition, the flexible endoscope (100) comprises an umbilical portion (5) communicatively coupled to the control of the deflection means (4a) and the handle (4). The umbilical portion (5) is configured to connect the catheter (50) with the handle (4), wherein such connection can be configured to enable the operation of the deflectable portion (6) based on the adjustment of the control of the deflection means (4a) at the handle (4) or at the proximal end of the flexible endoscope (100). The catheter (50) can be integrally formed with the umbilical portion (5) of the device (100). In an embodiment, the umbilical portion (5) can also provide access to one or more external ports for irrigation and insertion of auxiliary instruments, with or without irrigation fluid. Here, for the sake of brevity in the figures, the catheter body and the catheter (50) are denoted using the same reference sign 50.

[0025] As Figure 1As shown, the catheter body defines a first channel (1), a second channel (2) and a third channel (3). The first channel (1) accommodates at least one of an optical system and a deflection device (not shown in the figures), the deflection device being capable of deflecting a deflectable portion (6) of the catheter (50) upon actuation of a control of the deflection device (4a). Here, the size of the first channel (1) is substantially constant during operation of the flexible endoscope (100), and can have minimal variation or even no variation over this size of the first channel (1). In contrast to the first channel (1), the second channel (2) is configured to expand upon operation. Additionally, the expansion of the second channel (2) can be selective and can depend on the mode of operation of the flexible endoscope (100). Further, the flexible endoscope (100) comprises an actuation member (18) which can be introduced into the second channel (2) of the catheter body, as shown in conjunction with Figure 1 、 Figure 3a and Figure 3b . The actuation member (18) can be introducible into an introduction passage (not shown in the figures) defined in at least one of the umbilical portion (5) and the catheter body, to selectively expand the second channel (2). In the shown embodiment, the actuation member (18) is introduced through an outer port (which can be referred to as reference 9) defined in the umbilical portion (5) or the catheter body (50) to form the second channel (2). Upon expansion, the second channel (2) (referred to as reference 2 in Figure 1 、 Figure 3a and Figure 3b ) is operable in a plurality of modes, and one of these plurality of modes of the second channel (2) is configured to allow a suction operation in the second channel (2).

[0026] As shown in Figure 2 , the actuation member (18) of the catheter (50) comprises a plurality of sheaths (16). The actuation member (18) is connectable to an actuation device (19) (as shown in Figure 1 、 Figure 3a and Figure 3b ) to operate at least one of the plurality of sheaths (16) to selectively expand the second channel (2) between a first mode and a second mode. The at least one of the plurality of sheaths (16) comprises an expandable and contractible membrane (15) to operate the second channel (2) between the first mode and the second mode. The sheath (16) further comprises a support element (14) which is connectable to at least one side portion of the membrane (15), i.e. the membrane (15) is further supported on its lower surface by a strip (13, 13a, 13b) and a wire (13c) such that the membrane (15) is deflectable and / or deformable during operation of the catheter (50) between the first mode and the second mode. The support element (14) is displaceable by the actuation device (19) to displace the membrane (15) between the first mode (see Figure 3a ) and the second mode (seeFigure 3b The membrane (15) is operated between the first mode and the second mode, and the second channel (2) is operated accordingly between the first mode and the second mode (see Figure 3b The second channel expansion portion is depicted in the figure. Furthermore, the actuating member (18) of the catheter (50) includes a plurality of sheaths (16) capable of being detachably connected to at least one edge portion of a groove (11, 11a, 11b) defined in the first channel (1) of the catheter body, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0027] In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of sheaths (16) includes a first strip member (13) positioned in a first orientation along a portion of the membrane (15). The first strip member (13) is displaceable as the deflectable portion (6) of the catheter (50) moves. Further, at least one of the plurality of sheaths (16) includes Figure 3a and Figure 3b The second strip member (13a) shown is located at one end of the membrane (15). It should be noted that the thickness of the second strip member (13a) is chosen to be greater than that of the first strip member (13) so that, in the second mode, the size of the second channel at the end portion (7), as depicted by reference numeral 2, is reduced to the size depicted by reference numeral 2a, thereby facilitating suction operation of the catheter (50). Now, since the diameter of the second channel (2) at the end is smaller than the channel itself, this prevents dust, debris, and small stone fragments from getting stuck in the second channel (2). Furthermore, since the size of the second strip (13a) is larger than that of the first strip (13), and the end portion (7) of the catheter (50) is thicker, it facilitates the movement of the deflectable portion (6) of the catheter (50) within the region of interest.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first channel of the catheter (50) of the flexible endoscope (100) includes a cover (20) that covers the entire outer surface of the first channel (1). The catheter (50), which as a whole includes the first channel (1), the second channel (2), and the third channel (3), may be covered with a hydrophilic coating to facilitate the introduction of the catheter (50).

[0029] The covering (20) can be configured to define a third passageway (3) when the endoscope (100) is operable to the second mode, such that a sheath (16) of the plurality of sheaths (16) is expandable and contractible to enable the second passageway (2) to operate between the first mode and the second mode. The sheath (16) is displaceable by a support element (14), wherein the support element (14) is configured to relatively and correspondingly displace the sheath (16) in an expandable and contractible form (i.e., by twisting and / or contracting or expanding) upon operation by the actuation device (19). Once the actuation device (19) is actuated to operate the conduit (50) in the second mode, the support element (14) is operated (by twisting in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction) to displace the sheath (16) to expand, as shown in Figure 3b consequence, the sheath (16) is configured to define the third passageway (3) for irrigation by allowing the irrigation fluid to flow from the proximal end (A) of the conduit (50) to the distal end (B) through the irrigation port (10).

[0030] Reference is now made to Figure 1 , Figure 3a and Figure 3b , the third passageway (3) (which can be interchangeably referred to as an "irrigation passage" or "irrigation channel" (3)) is bounded by the covering (20) on one side, the stretchable membrane (17) on the other side, and the sheath (16) on the third side. Here, one end of the stretchable membrane (17) can be connected to at least a portion of the second passageway (2) or the support element (14), while the other end of the stretchable membrane (17) opposite the one end can be connected to at least one of the covering (20) and a portion of the first passageway (1). In an illustrative embodiment, one end of the stretchable membrane (17) can be connected to at least one edge of the first passageway (1) or can be connected with the sealing element (12b) on one side, while the other end of the membrane (17) opposite the one end can be connected to at least one of the covering (15), the support element (14), and a portion of the second passageway (2). Based on this connection, the first passageway (1), the sealing member (12b) or the groove (1 lb), and the stretchable membrane (17) are configured to form the third passageway (3) between the stretchable membrane (17), one sheath (16) of the plurality of sheaths (16), and the covering (20) of the first passageway (1) to allow the irrigation fluid to flow along the conduit body when in the first mode and the second mode of the second passageway (2) and, in turn, the conduit (50).

[0031] In an embodiment, at least one sheath of the plurality of sheaths (16), the stretchable membrane (17), and the edge of the first passageway (1) can be externally fused and / or integrally formed. In an embodiment, at least one sheath of the plurality of sheaths, the stretchable membrane (17), and the edge of the first passageway (1) can be fused by at least one of adhesive bonding, press-fitting, lamination processes, snap-fitting, and the like.

[0032] In an embodiment, the stretchable membrane (17) can be made of rubber or any polymer or fibrous material that can be flexible and is capable of accommodating one of the plurality of sheaths (16) and is displaceable to operate the catheter (50) between the first mode and the second mode.

[0033] In an embodiment, the first strip member (13) can be positioned along the longitudinal direction or the lateral direction of the device (100). Alternatively, the first strip member (13) can be positioned in both the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the device (100). In an embodiment, the first strip member (13) can be positioned at an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the device (100), wherein such positioning of the first strip member (13) can cause the device (100) to expand when rotated in one direction, while the device (100) can contract (i.e., reduce in size) when the first strip member (13) is rotated in another direction opposite to the one direction. Further, the first strip member (13) can be defined with one or more protrusions (not shown in the figures) that can be similar to a screw auger for drawing and retrieving fluid or solid residue along the device (100) and further from the subject.

[0034] In an embodiment, the sheath (16) facilitates selective inflation of the inflatable material upon supply of the flushing fluid.

[0035] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 4 Another embodiment of the endoscope (100) is shown. The catheter (50) comprises an inner surface (IS) defined with a concave and recessed profile. This will increase the size of the suction channel. Further, the first, second and third sealing elements (12, 12a, 12b) are aligned and attached to the grooves (11, 11a, 11b) of the first channel (1) for detachable attachment and introduction of the actuation member (18) and the stretchable membrane (17) with respect to the catheter body and further with respect to the catheter (50). The actuation member (18) and the stretchable membrane (17) are then slid along the grooves (11, 11a, 11b) for introduction of the actuation member (18) and the stretchable membrane (17) for operating the catheter (50) in the plurality of modes.

[0036] In an embodiment, the first strip member (13) along with the central wire (13c) extends proximally a few centimeters beyond the deflectable portion and is then followed by a continuous strip (13b). This will have more rigidity and better control of the catheter during operation.

[0037] In one embodiment, the second channel (2) and the third channel (3) are detachable from the first channel (1) and the umbilical portion (5) and thus from the catheter (50) and the flexible endoscope (100). In this case, channels 2 and 3 can be single-use, while the rest of the endoscope can be used multiple times.

[0038] equivalents

[0039] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate the plural to the singular and / or single to plural, as is appropriate to the context and / or application. Various singular / plural permutations can be set forth herein for clarity.

[0040] Further, when a feature or aspect of the disclosure is described in Markush group format, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also therefore described solely in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

[0041] While various aspects and implementations have been disclosed herein, other aspects and implementations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and implementations disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

[0042] reference numerals

Claims

1. A catheter (50) of a flexible endoscope (100), the catheter (50) comprising: a catheter body defined by a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connectable to an umbilical portion (5) of the flexible endoscope (100) and the distal end defining a deflectable portion, wherein the catheter body defines a first channel (1) accommodating at least one of an optical system and a deflection device for deflecting the deflectable portion, a second channel (2) and a third channel (3) configured to be dilated in operation; and an actuation member (18) introducible into the second channel (2) of the catheter body, the actuation member (18) being operable to selectively dilate the second channel (2), wherein the second channel (2) is operable in a plurality of modes when dilated and one mode of the plurality of modes of the second channel (2) is configured to allow a suction operation in the second channel (2).

2. The catheter (50) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of modes of the second channel (2) of the catheter body comprises: a first mode in which the second channel is configured to be in a first volume to direct an irrigation fluid from the proximal end to the distal end of the catheter body; and a second mode configured to dilate the second channel (2) to a second volume to define a passage for introducing at least one of an auxiliary device and / or an irrigation fluid into the second channel (2) or to apply a suction along the passage defined by the second channel (2) for operating the catheter body under the suction, wherein the second volume of the second channel (2) is greater than the first volume of the second channel (2).

3. The catheter (50) of claim 1, wherein, the actuation member (18) comprises a plurality of sheaths removably connected into the recess (11, 11a, 11b) defined in the first channel (1) of the catheter body together with the third channel (3).

4. The catheter (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the actuation member (18) is connectable to an actuation device (19) to operate at least one sheath (16) of the plurality of sheaths to selectively dilate the second channel (2) between the first mode and the second mode.

5. The catheter (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, at least one sheath (16) of the plurality of sheaths comprises: a membrane (15) supported by a strip (13, 13a, 13b) and a wire (13c) located on a lower surface of the membrane, the membrane being dilatable and contractible to operate the second channel (2) in the first mode and the second mode; and a support element (14) connectable to at least one side portion of the membrane, wherein the support element (14) is displaceable to operate the membrane between the first mode and the second mode and thus to operate the second channel (2) between the first mode and the second mode.

6. The catheter (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sheath (16) of the plurality of sheaths comprises: a first intermittent strip member (13) positioned along a portion of the membrane in a first orientation, the first intermittent strip member (13) being displaceable with the movement of a displaceable portion of the conduit (50) portion; and a second strip member (13a) positioned at an end of the membrane at the opening (8), wherein a thickness of the second strip member (13a) is greater than a thickness of the first intermittent strip member (13) to reduce a size of the second channel (2) at the opening (8) to a size (2a) in the second mode for a suction operation of the conduit (50).

7. The catheter (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an extendable membrane (17), wherein, One end of the stretchable membrane (17) is connectable to at least one edge of the first channel (1) or at a side with the sealing element (12b), while the other end of the stretchable membrane (17) opposite the one end is connectable to at least one of a portion of the second channel (2), the membrane (15), and the support element (14), and wherein the stretchable membrane (17) is configured to form the third channel (3) between the stretchable membrane (17) and one of the plurality of sheaths (16) to allow the irrigation fluid to flow along the conduit body in the first mode and the second mode of the second channel (2).

8. The catheter (50) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein The first channel (1) comprises a first groove (11) positioned along a first edge of the first channel (1), a second groove (11a) between the first edge and a second edge of the first channel (1), and a third groove (11b) at the second edge of the first channel (1), wherein the first groove (11), the second groove (11a), and the third groove (11b) are adapted to receive the sealing elements (12, 12a, and 12b), respectively.

9. The catheter (50) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein The second channel (2) is configured to expand between the first mode and the second mode when the plurality of sheaths are displaced relative to the sealing elements (12 and 12a) housed in the first groove (11) and the second groove (11a) of the first channel (1) by the actuation device (19).

10. A flexible endoscope (100) comprising: a handle (4) portion defining a umbilical portion (5); and a conduit (50), wherein the conduit (50) comprises: a conduit body defined by a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connectable to the umbilical portion (5) of the flexible endoscope (100) and the distal end defining a deflectable portion, wherein the conduit body defines a first channel (1) configured to house at least one of an optical system and a deflection device for deflecting the deflectable portion, a second channel (2) configured to expand when in operation, and a third channel for irrigation; and a deflection device for deflecting the deflectable portion, the deflection device being housed in the first channel (1) of the conduit (50), wherein the deflection device is configured to be displaced by the actuation device (19) to deflect the deflectable portion of the conduit (50) in the first mode and the second mode of the second channel (2). an actuation member (18) introducible into said second channel (2) of said catheter body, said actuation member (18) being operable to selectively dilate said second channel (2), wherein said second channel (2) when dilated dilates said third channel (3) and is operable in a plurality of modes, and one of said plurality of modes of said second channel (2) is configured to allow a suction operation in said second channel (2).

11. The flexible endoscope (100) of claim 8, wherein, said plurality of modes of said second channel (2) comprises: a first mode configured to direct a flushing fluid from said proximal end to said distal end of said catheter (50) portion; and a second mode configured to dilate at least a portion of said second channel (2) of said catheter (50) portion to define a passage for introducing at least one of an auxiliary device and a flushing fluid into said second channel (2) or to apply suction along said passage defined by said second channel (2) to thereby cause said catheter (50) to operate under said suction.

12. The flexible endoscope (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, said second channel (2) has a size when dilated in said second mode that is greater than a size of said second channel (2) in said first mode.

13. The flexible endoscope (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising an actuation device (19) at the proximal end of the catheter (50) portion or the umbilical portion (5), wherein, said actuation device (19) comprises means for operating a support element (14) of at least one of said plurality of sheaths (16) to selectively dilate said second channel (2) between said first mode and said second mode.

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