Video endoscope and enclosure for a video endoscope, and method for monitoring a sterile barrier of a video endoscope

Description

[0001] Video endoscopes are known with an endoscope having an endoscope optics and a camera head having camera electronics and a display and control unit.

[0002] A disadvantage of existing systems is a complex hygiene concept due to the large number of different components, some of which are autoclaved, some chemically cleaned, and some separated from the patient by a disposable sterile cover. This results in high costs for materials and labor.

[0003] For example, disposable sterile covers for video endoscopes include sheaths with a hollow tube having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end is closed by an optically transparent window. A flexible bag with an insertion opening is arranged at the proximal end. The endoscope can be inserted through the insertion opening. Supply lines can be routed through the bag, which is open at the proximal end. The camera head is accessible through the open bag and must be cleaned separately.

[0004] Further prior art is cited in US 2012 / 302834 A1, US 8 382 665 B1, CN 112 545 433 A and US 5 873 814 A.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a video endoscope which enables an improved hygiene concept.

[0006] The object is achieved according to the invention by a video endoscope having the features of patent claim 1 and a method for monitoring a sterile barrier of a video endoscope having the features of patent claim 22.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] The video endoscope according to the invention, comprising an endoscope having an endoscope lens and a camera head having camera electronics and a display and control unit, is characterized in that a vacuum pump for sucking air from the surroundings of the video endoscope is arranged in the video endoscope. Essential to the invention is that the vacuum pump is integrated into the video endoscope and thus sucks air from the surroundings of the video endoscope into the video endoscope. Such an arrangement makes it possible to suck a sheath, particularly if it is hermetically sealed, onto the surface of the video endoscope, since the vacuum pump can suck air from the surroundings of the video endoscope and thus from the space between the sheath and the video endoscope, thus providing, for example, a closed sterile barrier around the video endoscope, which simplifies the preparation of the video endoscope for operations.A suction-applied cover, especially over the camera head, can have the advantage of being less disruptive and still allowing the camera head to be operated.

[0009] According to the invention, the video endoscope has a housing in which the vacuum pump is arranged, wherein the suction opening for the vacuum pump is arranged in the wall of the housing.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, an exhaust air opening is arranged in the wall of the housing, which has a connecting element to an exhaust air valve of a casing for the video endoscope. This makes it possible to remove the sucked-in air from the video endoscope, including the casing.

[0011] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, a compressed air tank is provided to collect the sucked-in air. The sucked-in air thus remains in the video endoscope and can be used, for example, for air cooling of heat-critical components or as an additional pneumatic energy source, particularly on both the pressure and vacuum sides of the vacuum pump.

[0012] A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the video endoscope has at least one pressure sensor, for example, for determining the ambient pressure. Such a pressure sensor can enable monitoring of the function of the sterile barrier. Furthermore, for example, the suction pressure on the patient or other pneumatic applications can be monitored.

[0013] Particularly preferably, the video endoscope has a wireless power supply, which preferably comprises at least one accumulator or at least one battery. Such a design eliminates the need for a pressure-tight passage of the power supply through a casing.

[0014] Advantageously, the video endoscope has a radio interface. This design eliminates the need for a pressure-tight enclosure for data transmission lines.

[0015] The housing preferably has at least one adjustable foot, preferably three adjustable feet, which has at least one suction cup, which is preferably connected to the vacuum pump. The adjustable feet allow the housing to be placed securely on the patient. The suction cup(s) can enable secure positioning. Applying negative pressure to the suction cup(s) from the vacuum pump can increase stability. In particular, this enables safe and reliable positioning of the housing directly on the patient, without the need for another surgeon to hold the video endoscope and without the need for a costly support arm or robot to position the video endoscope.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the display and control unit comprises a touchscreen display. This can be operated easily and reliably even when the cover is in place, which is in particular suction-attached and can be applied to the touchscreen display in a particularly crease-free manner.

[0017] Advantageously, the display and control unit is surrounded by a circumferential edge, with at least one suction opening of the vacuum pump arranged in the circumferential edge. Such a design can promote crease-free contact of the casing with the display and control unit, particularly if the latter is configured as a touchscreen display. Since the display and control unit is advantageously located directly at the surgical site, since the camera head can be positioned directly on the patient, this can also lead to improved eye-hand coordination if the live image of the video endoscope is displayed directly on the display element.

[0018] Advantageously, a vacuum bag is provided, which can be connected to the vacuum pump and in which a rinsing fluid bag is arranged. This makes it possible to control additional functions, such as a rinsing or cleaning function, using the vacuum pump.

[0019] Preferably, the endoscope is detachably connected to the camera head and can be locked in place by the vacuum generated by the vacuum pump. This design allows for easy interchangeability of the optics for different applications. Locking by means of vacuum can provide reliable fixation.

[0020] Preferably, the video endoscope comprises a sheath suitable for receiving a video endoscope with a hollow tube having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end is closed by means of an optically transparent window, wherein a flexible bag having an insertion opening is arranged at the proximal end, wherein the sheath has an exhaust air valve. Such a Away Air valve allows air to be released from the interior of the enclosure.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the Away The air valve has a connection element to an exhaust air opening of a vacuum pump of a video endoscope that can be arranged in the enclosure. This allows the air to be removed from the interior of the enclosure by means of a vacuum pump arranged inside the video endoscope.

[0022] Preferably, the exhaust air valve is designed as a one-way check valve in order to prevent air from flowing back through the exhaust air valve into the interior of the enclosure.

[0023] Preferably, the insertion opening of the bag is designed to be closable by means of a closure. The closable insertion opening allows the video endoscope to be completely enclosed with the sheath and a negative pressure to be applied to suction the sheath onto the surface of the video endoscope, particularly on all surfaces, particularly preferably on the control elements.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hollow tube has a circumferential collar at its proximal end, in which the exhaust valve is arranged. Such a design enables a robust arrangement of the Away air valve.

[0025] Advantageously, the hollow tube is made of metal or a similarly strong material with tensile and compressive strength. This ensures high stability of the enclosure.

[0026] The bag is preferably made of a transparent plastic. This allows for flexible attachment to different housing shapes of the video endoscope, especially the camera head and, in particular, the display and control elements.

[0027] The suction can be improved if a channel is preferably arranged in the hollow tube between the distal end and the proximal end.

[0028] Particularly preferably, the hollow tube of the sheath is releasably fixable to the video endoscope, in particular to the housing, particularly preferably to the camera head, preferably by means of a mechanical quick-release fastener, particularly preferably a bayonet lock. This allows a reliable arrangement to be achieved and, in particular, prevents the sheath from undesirably shifting relative to the video endoscope during surgery.

[0029] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, an exhaust air opening is arranged in the wall of the housing of the video endoscope, which has a connecting element to an exhaust air valve of the casing for the video endoscope, and an exhaust air valve is arranged in the casing for the video endoscope, which has a connecting element to the exhaust air opening of the housing of the video endoscope, wherein when the hollow tube is fixed to the video endoscope, the connecting element of the AwayThe air opening and the connecting element of the exhaust valve are coupled. This design simplifies the handling of the video endoscope, particularly during preparation for surgery.

[0030] The method according to the invention for monitoring the sterile barrier in a video endoscope with a sheath according to the invention comprises the following steps: Inserting the video endoscope into the enclosure, creating a negative pressure in the enclosure, detecting the pressure in the enclosure and comparing the prevailing pressure with a predetermined threshold value and issuing an alarm signal if the prevailing pressure exceeds the threshold value.

[0031] Such a procedure allows for easy monitoring of whether the sterile barrier is intact during surgery and can contribute to patient safety.

[0032] Preferably, the sheath is closed after the video endoscope has been inserted into the sheath.

[0033] According to an advantageous development, the video endoscope is positioned on a patient, allowing for easier handling.

[0034] Particularly preferably, the video endoscope comprises a housing with at least one adjustable foot, preferably three adjustable feet, which has at least one suction cup, which is suctioned onto the patient in a further step. This allows for particularly secure positioning of the video endoscope.

[0035] Preferably, an alarm signal is emitted when the suction cup is released from the patient. This provides a surgeon with an indication to reposition the video endoscope.

[0036] An embodiment of the invention is explained in detail with reference to the following figures. Figure 1 shows a section through a first embodiment of a video endoscope according to the invention with a sheath according to the invention, Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the video endoscope according to Figure 1 , Figure 3 an enlarged section of the video endoscope according to Figure 2 , Figure 4 shows a section through a second embodiment of a video endoscope according to the invention with a sheath according to the invention, and Figure 5 shows a section through a third embodiment of a video endoscope according to the invention with a sheath according to the invention, Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a video endoscope according to the invention in an application, Figure 7a shows a schematic representation of a rinsing device for a video endoscope according to one of the Figures 1 to 6 and Figure 7b shows a schematic representation of a distal end of the shaft of the endoscope of a video endoscope according to one of the Figures 1 to 6 .

[0037] Figure 1 shows a section through a first embodiment of a video endoscope 10 according to the invention with a sheath 70 according to the invention, wherein the Figures 2 and 3 Show views of the video endoscope 10.

[0038] The video endoscope 10 comprises an endoscope 20 and a camera head 30. The endoscope 20 comprises an endoscope optic 22, which is arranged in particular in a shaft 23. The camera head 30 has at least one camera electronics unit 35 and a display and control unit 36. An endoscope light source 24 can also be arranged in the shaft 23.

[0039] The endoscope 20 and the camera head 30 can be arranged in a housing 11 of the video endoscope 10. Alternatively, the endoscope 20 and the camera head 30 can be detachably connected to one another, with the endoscope 20 being arranged in a housing 21 and the camera head 30 being arranged in a housing 31. In this case, the housing 11 of the video endoscope 10 comprises the housing 21 of the endoscope 20 and the housing 31 of the camera head 30.

[0040] The detachable connection can be made, for example, by means of negative pressure, which is generated in particular by means of the vacuum pump 40, as in the embodiment according to Figure 5 For this purpose, a further suction opening 41 can be arranged in the housing 31, via which a negative pressure can be generated in an intermediate space 44b between the housing 21 of the endoscope 20 and the housing 31 of the camera head 30.

[0041] A vacuum pump 40 for sucking air from the surroundings of the video endoscope 10 is arranged in the video endoscope 10, in particular in the housing 11, for example in the housing 31 of the camera head 30. An intake opening 41 for the vacuum pump 40 can be arranged in the wall of the housing 11, for example in the wall of the housing 31 of the camera head 30. If the video endoscope 10 is surrounded by a casing 70, described in more detail below, the vacuum pump 40 can suck the air out of the space between the video endoscope 10 and the casing 70, and the casing 70 can be sucked onto the surface of the video endoscope 10.

[0042] The sucked-in air can be sucked out of the housing 11 and the enclosure 70 by the vacuum pump 40. For this purpose, the exhaust air opening 42 arranged in the wall of the housing 11 or 31 can have a connecting element 43 to an exhaust air valve 76 of the enclosure 70 for the video endoscope 10.

[0043] Alternatively, as in Figure 4 As shown in a second embodiment of the video endoscope 10, a compressed air tank 45 for receiving the sucked-in air may be provided in the housing 11, in particular in the housing 31.

[0044] The video endoscope 10 can have a pressure sensor 50 for determining the ambient pressure. This is arranged, for example, in the housing 11, in particular in the housing 31 of the camera head 30, in such a way that it can determine the pressure on the outer surface of the housing 11 or 31, in particular when the sheath 70 is in place in the intermediate area between the video endoscope 10 and the sheath 70. The video endoscope 10 can have additional pressure sensors (not shown), for example in the exhaust air opening, so that warning or control signals can be generated and output by measuring the pressures or detecting differential pressures.

[0045] The video endoscope 10 can have a wireless power supply 60, which preferably comprises a rechargeable battery 61 or a battery. The rechargeable battery 61 is advantageously designed such that it can be recharged at a charging station, for example, when the video endoscope 10 is not in use.

[0046] Furthermore, the video endoscope 10 can have a radio interface 62, by means of which, for example, the images detected by the endoscope 20 can be transmitted to a screen in the operating room.

[0047] The housing 11, in the present embodiment the housing 31, can have at least one adjustable foot 32, in the embodiment three adjustable feet 32. Each of the adjustable feet 32 can have at least one suction cup 33. The suction cups 33 can have a suction opening 34 through which air can be sucked in by means of the vacuum pump 40. The sheath 70 is thereby sucked into the suction cups 33, which can improve the contact of the suction cups with the patient's body. One or more of the adjustable feet 32 can have two partial segments 32b, 32c connected to one another by means of a joint 32a, preferably a rotary joint, in order to be able to optimally apply the housing 11 to the patient. This can be done directly, so that neither an additional surgeon nor a support arm or robot is required (see also Figure 6 ).

[0048] The display and control unit 36, which is arranged in particular on the outside of the housing 11, in this case the housing 31, can comprise a touch display. The display and control unit 36 can be used to switch the endoscope 20 on and off, to start and stop image acquisition using the endoscope 20, or to control the data transmission from the video endoscope 10 to a screen or a processing unit in the operating room. The display and control unit 36 can also be used to switch the vacuum pump 40 on and off, for example, via a button 36a. The touch display can also contain display elements 36b that provide information, for example, about the charge level of the rechargeable battery 61 or the quality of the radio signal. In particular, a display element 36c can be provided that displays the pressure in the space between the video endoscope 10 and the casing 70.Alternatively or additionally, a display element 36d may also be provided, which emits a warning signal if the pressure in the space between the video endoscope 10 and the sheath 70 rises above a predetermined threshold value, thus warning that the sheath 70 is not tight and that the sterile barrier intended to be created by the sheath 70 may not be reliable. Furthermore, additional pressure displays and / or warning displays may be provided, which, for example, indicate the pressures present at one or preferably all of the suction cups 33 or evaluations based thereon.

[0049] The display and control unit 36, in particular the touch display, can be surrounded by a circumferential edge 37. This edge 37 can be formed, for example, by a circumferential projection. Alternatively, this edge 37 can also be part of a recess arranged in the housing 11. This enables the surface of the housing 11 to be as seamless as possible. The suction opening 41 or one of several suction openings 41 can be arranged in the circumferential edge 37 or in the base area below the recess, which can improve the crease-free suction of the casing 70 onto the display and control unit 36.

[0050] The sheath 70 according to the invention comprises a hollow tube 71 with a distal end 71a and a proximal end 71b, wherein the distal end 71a is closed by an optically transparent window 72. The hollow tube 71 can be made, for example, of metal or a similarly stable, tensile- and compressive-resistant material. The window 72 is preferably made of glass or transparent plastic. If a negative pressure is generated within the sheath 70, the window 72 is preferably sucked flat against the distal end of the shaft 23. Figure 5shows an alternative embodiment in which a spacer 72a can be arranged between the window 72 and the distal end of the shaft 23, for example by thickening the window 72, in particular in the area in front of the endoscope optics 22, which spacer also creates a free space 72b in front of the distal end of the shaft 23 when the sheath 70 is sucked onto the shaft 23, which can result in vacuum insulation, for example in particular of the endoscope light source 24, which can be arranged next to the endoscope optics 22.

[0051] Typically, the negative pressure can be generated by sucking air through the annular gap between the inside of the hollow tube 71 and the outside of the shaft 23. Suction can be improved if, for this purpose, a channel 71c is arranged in the hollow tube 71, extending between the distal end 71a and the proximal end 71b. Additionally or alternatively, a channel (not shown) can also be arranged in the shaft 23 between the distal end of the shaft 23 and the proximal end of the shaft 23, through which channel air can be sucked from the distal to the proximal end of the shaft 23.

[0052] At the proximal end 71b of the hollow tube 71, a flexible bag 73 is arranged, which can be made, for example, from a transparent plastic, in particular a plastic film. The bag 73 encloses the hollow tube 71 such that the interior of the bag 73 is connected to the interior of the hollow tube 71. The connection between the bag 73 and the hollow tube 71 is, in particular, hermetically sealed. The bag 73 has an insertion opening 74, which can be, in particular, hermetically sealed by means of a closure 75. The closure 75 can, for example, be designed as a zip-lock closure.

[0053] The casing 70 has an exhaust valve 76, which can be designed, in particular, as a one-way check valve. The hollow tube 71 can have a circumferential collar 78 at its proximal end 71b, in which the exhaust valve 76 can be arranged.

[0054] The exhaust air valve 76 can have a connecting element 77 to the Away air opening 42 of the vacuum pump 40 of the video endoscope 10 which can be arranged in the casing 70.

[0055] The sheath 70 can be used as follows: The video endoscope 10 can be inserted into the sheath 70 through the insertion opening 74, in particular such that the endoscope 20 comes to rest in the hollow tube 71 and the camera head 30 is arranged in the bag 73. The hollow tube 71 can be fixed to the housing 11 of the video endoscope 10, in particular to the housing 31 of the camera head 30 of the video endoscope 10, by means of a mechanical quick-release fastener such as a bayonet lock 79, which can be arranged, for example, between the collar 78 of the hollow tube 71 and the housing 11, in particular to the housing 31. Alternatively, the hollow tube 71 can also be fixed to the housing 11 of the video endoscope 10, in particular to the housing 31 of the camera head 30 of the video endoscope 10, as in Figure 5shown by means of a negative pressure, which can be generated, for example, via an additional suction opening 41 in a space 44a between the housing 31 and the proximal end of the hollow tube 71.

[0056] If an exhaust air opening 42 is provided in the video endoscope 10 and an exhaust air valve 76 is provided in the casing 76, the connecting element 43 of the exhaust air opening 42 and the connecting element 77 of the exhaust air valve 76 can preferably be coupled when the hollow tube 71 is fixed to the video endoscope 10, in particular to the housing 11, so that when the vacuum pump 40 is activated, the air sucked out by the vacuum pump 40 can be conveyed out of the video endoscope 10 and the casing 70 through the exhaust air opening 42 and the exhaust air valve.

[0057] After inserting the video endoscope 10 into the sheath 70, the insertion opening 74 can be closed by means of the closure 75. The vacuum pump 40 can then be activated and air can be sucked from the space between the video endoscope 10 and the sheath 70 in order to draw the sheath 70 onto the surface of the video endoscope 10. In particular, a negative pressure is generated in the sheath 70. The pressure prevailing in the sheath 70 can be detected by means of the pressure sensor 50 and, in particular, continuously monitored, for example by comparing the prevailing pressure with a predetermined threshold value or by comparing the prevailing pressure with the pressure outside the sheath 70, which can be detected, for example, by means of a further pressure sensor (not shown) in the exhaust air opening 42.If the prevailing pressure exceeds the threshold value or if the difference between the prevailing pressure and the pressure outside the enclosure falls below a threshold value, this may indicate a leak in the enclosure 70, possibly caused by a defect in the sterile barrier. Therefore, in this case, an alarm signal may be issued, for example, by a display on the display and control unit 36 and / or an acoustic warning signal.

[0058] After an operation, the video endoscope 10, in particular the camera head 30, can be placed on a charging station (not shown) to charge the battery 61. The charging station can be located, in particular, in the operating room.

[0059] Figure 6shows a video endoscope 10', which differs from the previously described video endoscopes 10 essentially in the shape of the housing 31 of the camera head 30. In the present embodiment, the adjustable foot(s) 32 are enclosed by the housing 31, in which the display and control unit 36 is arranged. In particular, the housing 31 can have only a single adjustable foot 32. The video endoscope 10' can, as in Figure 6recognizable, can be positioned directly on the body of a patient 100. Particularly secure positioning is possible if the suction cup 33 of the adjustable foot 32 or the suction cups 33 of the adjustable feet 32 are sucked onto the body of the patient 100, in particular by means of the vacuum pump 40. The pressure on the suction cups 33 can be monitored, and if a suction cup 33 is released, an alarm can be issued. An operator 110 can view the video image using a conventional monitor (not shown) or, preferably as shown, using a head-mounted display 111 and control the camera, for example, using voice commands. The voice commands can relate, for example, to the brightness, the focus, and / or the image section by zooming in or zooming out.

[0060] Based on the Figures 7a and 7bA rinsing device 80 is explained, which can be used with the previously described video endoscopes 10, 10'. The rinsing device 80 has a rinsing fluid bag 85 in which a rinsing fluid 83, for example a saline solution, is arranged. The rinsing fluid bag 85 is made of a flexible material. When pressure is applied to the rinsing fluid bag 85, the rinsing fluid 83 is forced out of the rinsing fluid bag 85.

[0061] The rinsing fluid bag 85 is arranged in a vacuum bag 84, which can be connected to the vacuum pump 40 via a vacuum connection 81. By means of the vacuum pump 40, a negative pressure can be generated in the vacuum bag 84, which causes the vacuum bag 84 to contract and thereby exerts pressure on the rinsing fluid bag 85, whereby the rinsing fluid is forced out of the rinsing fluid bag 85. The rinsing fluid bag 85 is connected via a rinsing connection 82 to a rinsing channel 82a, which is attached, for example, to the outside of the shaft 23 of the endoscope 20. If the endoscope 20 is arranged in the sheath 70, the rinsing channel 82a is accordingly arranged on the outside of the sheath 70. For simple arrangement of the rinsing channel 82a on the shaft 23, it can, for example, be inserted into a longitudinal groove arranged on the outside of the shaft 23.Such a rinsing device 80 can easily enable rinsing and, in particular, cleaning of the endoscope optics 22. A suction channel 81a can additionally be provided, which can, for example, also be arranged on the outside of the shaft 23, in particular in a longitudinal groove, and which, for example, is connected to the vacuum pump 40 in such a way that the rinsing fluid 83 can be sucked in again via it. List of reference symbols

[0062] 10Video Endoscope 10 1< Video Endoscope 11Housing 20Endoscope 21Housing 22Endoscope optics 23Shaft 24Endoscope light source 30Camera head 31Housing 32Adjustable foot 32aJoint 32bPartial segment 32cPartial segment 33Suction cup 34Suction opening 35Camera electronics 36Display and control unit 36aButton 36bDisplay element 36cDisplay element 36dDisplay element 37Rim 40Vacuum pump 41Suction opening 42Exhaust air opening 43Connection element 44aSpace 44bSpace 45Compressed air tank 50Pressure sensor 60Power supply 61Accumulator 62Wireless interface 70Sheath 71Hollow tube 71Distal end 71bProximal end 71cChannel 72Window 72aSpacer 72bFree space 73Bag 74Insertion opening 75Closure 76Exhaust valve 77Connection element 78Collar 79Bayonet lock 80Irrigation device 81aSuction channel 82Irrigation connection 82aIrrigation channel 83Irrigation fluid 84Vacuum bag 85Irrigation fluid bag 100Patient 110Surgeon 111Head-mounted display

Claims

1. A video endoscope (10) having an endoscope (20) having an endoscope optical unit (22) and a camera head (30) having camera electronics (35) and a display and control unit (36), characterized in that a vacuum pump (40) for suctioning air from the environment of the video endoscope (10) is arranged in the video endoscope (10), wherein the video endoscope (10) has a housing (11) in which the vacuum pump (40) is arranged, wherein a suction opening (41) for the vacuum pump (40) is arranged in the wall of the housing (11).

2. The video endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that an exhaust air opening (42) is arranged in the wall of the housing (11), which has a connecting element (43) to an exhaust air valve (76) of a sheath (70) for the video endoscope (10).

3. The video endoscope according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a compressed air container (45) is provided for receiving the suctioned air.

4. The video endoscope according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the video endoscope (10) has at least one pressure sensor (50), for example for determining the ambient pressure.

5. The video endoscope according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the video endoscope (10) has a wireless power supply (60), which preferably comprises a rechargeable battery (61) or a battery.

6. The video endoscope according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the video endoscope (10) has a radio interface (62).

7. The video endoscope according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (11) has at least one adjustable support foot (32), preferably three adjustable support feet (32), which has at least one suction cup (33), which is preferably connected to the vacuum pump (40).

8. The video endoscope according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display and control unit (36) comprises a touch display.

9. The video endoscope according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display and control unit (36) is surrounded by a circumferential edge, wherein at least one suction opening (41) of the vacuum pump (40) is arranged in the circumferential edge (37).

10. The video endoscope according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a vacuum bag (84) is provided which can be connected to the vacuum pump (40) and in which a rinsing liquid bag (85) is arranged.

11. The video endoscope according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the endoscope (20) is detachably connected to the camera head (30) and lockable by means of negative pressure generated by the vacuum pump (40).

12. The video endoscope according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the video endoscope (10) has a sheath (70) suitable for receiving the video endoscope (10) having a hollow tube (71) with a distal end (71a) and a proximal end (71b), wherein the distal end (71a) is closed by means of an optically transparent window (72), wherein a flexible bag (73) having an insertion opening (74) is arranged at the proximal end (71b), and wherein the sheath (70) has an exhaust air valve (76).

13. The video endoscope according to claim 12, characterized in that the exhaust air valve (76) has a connecting element (77) to an exhaust air opening (42) of a vacuum pump (40) of a video endoscope (10) that can be arranged in the sheath (70).

14. The video endoscope according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the exhaust air valve (76) is designed as a one-way check valve.

15. The video endoscope according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the insertion opening (74) of the bag (73) is designed to be closable by means of a closure (75).

16. The video endoscope according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the hollow tube (71) has at its proximal end (71b) a circumferential collar (78) in which the exhaust air valve (76) is arranged.

17. The video endoscope according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the hollow tube (71) is made of metal or a similarly stable material resistant to tension and compression.

18. The video endoscope according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the bag (73) is made of a transparent plastic.

19. The video endoscope according to any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that a channel (71c) running between the distal end (71a) and the proximal end (71b) is arranged in the hollow tube (71).

20. The video endoscope according to any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that the hollow tube (71) can be detachably fixed to the video endoscope (10), in particular to the housing (11), particularly preferably to the camera head (30), preferably by means of a mechanical quick-action lock, particularly preferably a bayonet lock(79).

21. The video endoscope according to claim 20, characterized in that an exhaust air opening (42) is arranged in the wall of the housing (11) of the video endoscope (10), which exhaust air opening has a connecting element (43) to an exhaust air valve (76) of the sheath (70) for the video endoscope (10), that an exhaust air valve (76) is arranged in the sheath (70) for the video endoscope (10), which exhaust air valve has a connecting element (77) to the exhaust air opening (42) of the housing (11) of the video endoscope (10), and that, when the hollow tube (71) is fixed to the video endoscope (10), the connecting element (43) of the exhaust air opening (42) and the connecting element (77) of the exhaust air valve (76) are coupled.

22. A method for monitoring the sterile barrier in a video endoscope (10) with a sheath (70) according to any one of claims 12 to 21, having the following steps: - inserting the video endoscope (10) into the sheath (70), - generating a negative pressure in the sheath (70), - detecting the pressure prevailing in the sheath (70) and comparing the prevailing pressure with a predetermined threshold value, and - outputting an alarm signal when the prevailing pressure exceeds the threshold value.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the video endoscope (10) is positioned on a patient (100).

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the video endoscope (10) has a housing (11) having at least one adjustable support foot (32), preferably three adjustable support feet (32), which has at least one suction cup (33) which is suctioned onto the patient (100) in a further step.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that an alarm signal is output when the suction cup (33) detaches from the patient (100).