Improved endoscope

Abstract

The invention relates to an endoscope (100) usable to perform a diagnostic imaging assessment on a patient. Such an endoscope comprises: - a body (1) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and having a first body end (1') and a second body end (1'') opposite to the first end; - a flexible elongated tube (2) connected to the first body end of the endoscope; - at least one lighting unit (3) associated with the second body end to illuminate a lumen of a patient; - an image sensor (4) associated with the second body end to capture images inside the patient's illuminated lumen; - a first (5) and at least a second (6, 7) working channel extending through the flexible elongated tube and through the body and ending at the second body end. The body of the endoscope further comprises a core element (8) placed axially inside the body between the first and second body ends; such a core element includes a stem (8') comprising first channel portions (5a, 6a, 7a) of each of the aforesaid first and at least second working channels, respectively, connected to each other in one piece along the longitudinal axis.

Description

[0001] IMPROVED ENDOSCOPE

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Field of application

[0005] The present invention relates in general to medical devices usable to perform a diagnostic assessment on a patient . In particular, the invention relates to an innovative endoscope usable, for example, to perform an assessment on a hollow organ of a patient by means of diagnostic imaging .

[0006] Prior art

[0007] Endoscopic examinations are known to be useful diagnostic imaging procedures for the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the alimentary and excretory canals , for example of the colon, esophagus , stomach, urethra, bladder and other organs .

[0008] A conventional endoscope , usable for such diagnostic imaging procedures , comprises a body extending along a longitudinal axis having a first body end connected to a flexible elongated tube and an opposite second body end or head of the endoscope . Such an endoscope head is configured to house a light source of the organ portion under examination, e . g . , one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) , and an image sensor, e.g., a camera comprising a solid state sensor, which contribute to generate an image of the organ portion displayed by an operator.

[0009] In the specific case where the endoscope is used in a magnetically-guided movement control system, the endoscope body also includes a permanent magnet.

[0010] Furthermore, such a known endoscope also includes one or more working channels, which extend along the entire length of the endoscope, from the flexible elongated tube to the head. It is possible to pass medical instruments through such channels, such as biopsy forceps, probes or to convey liquids (e.g., water) and / or gases to the endoscope head.

[0011] In particular, a known endoscope usable for gastrointestinal endoscopy includes a first working channel which allows inserting the aforesaid medical instruments into the patient's organ, or sucking debris and liquids, when such a first channel is not used with such instruments.

[0012] Furthermore, such a known endoscope includes a second channel to convey air to be blown, through a respective nozzle, onto the area under investigation or onto the camera lens, in order to clean it. The same second channel can convey water to be sprayed onto the camera lens , to clean it of debris .

[0013] The known endoscope can also include a third channel adapted to convey other water used to directly spray the portion of organ tissue shot in the camera image, for better viewing .

[0014] It should be noted that the known type of endoscopes used for colonoscopy examinations comprise all three of the above-mentioned working channels . Instead, some known endoscopes used for a gastroscopy examination comprise only the first and second channels .

[0015] The location and conformation of the aforementioned working channels inside the body of an endoscope of known type cause some inconveniences .

[0016] In fact , the assembly of the endoscope with the aforesaid channels is often not easy and laborious , as it is always necessary to ensure that the first channel , i . e . , the surgical channel , is positioned in exactly the same manner with respect to the camera, so that the medical instruments are always displayed in the same place in the endoscopic image .

[0017] In many cases it is quite laborious to position and orient the noz zle at the outlet of the second channel correctly towards the camera .

[0018] Furthermore, with the same size of the endoscope head, the positioning of the channels inside the known endoscope causes a considerable reduction in the "useful" volume of the permanent magnet present in such an endoscope . This reduces the driving and control capabilities of the endoscope in a magnetically-guided endoscopic system.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Therefore , it is the obj ect of the present invention to provide an improved endoscope, of the type usable to perform a diagnostic imaging assessment on a hollow organ of a patient or for a therapeutic endoscopic procedure, for example the removal of polyps , the assembly of which is easy and simple to carry out .

[0021] Such an obj ect is achieved by an endoscope according to claim 1 .

[0022] In particular, the body of the endoscope of the present invention is constructed around a core element which acts as a skeleton around which the entire body is assembled . This core element consists of a single component adapted to be connected, at one end, to the flexible elongated tube to carry a first and at least a second working channel extending through the aforesaid flexible tube , without interruption, through the body of the endoscope until it opens at a second end of the endoscope body, i . e . , from the head of the endoscope .

[0023] Preferred and advantageous embodiments of such an endoscope are the subj ect of the dependent claims .

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Further features and advantages of the endoscope of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof , given by way of non-limiting indication, with reference to the accompanying drawings , in which :

[0026] Figure 1 shows , in perspective and partially exploded view, an example of an endoscope , which can be used to perform a diagnostic imaging assessment on a patient in accordance with the present invention ;

[0027] Figure 2 shows , in perspective and exploded view, the endoscope in Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 3 shows a side view of the body of the endoscope of the invention in a partially assembled configuration, in which a second cover element of the body is removed from such a body and the endoscope body is separated by a flexible elongated tube ;

[0029] Figure 3A shows a rear perspective and enlarged view of the endoscope body in Figure 3 ;

[0030] Figure 4 shows , in perspective and enlarged view, a core element of the endoscope in Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figures 5A and 5B show a right perspective view and a left perspective view, respectively, of the endoscope in Figure 1 in assembled configuration; Figure 6 shows a right perspective and longitudinal sectional view of the endoscope in Figure 5A;

[0032] Figure 7 shows a front view of the endoscope in Figure 5A from which a front cover element has been removed;

[0033] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a flexible printed circuit of the endoscope in Figure 2 .

[0034] Similar or equivalent elements in the aforesaid figures are indicated by the same reference numerals .

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] With reference to Figures 1 , 2 , 5A, 5B and 6, an improved endoscope in accordance with the present invention is , overall , indicated with reference numeral 100 .

[0037] The aforesaid endoscope 100 is usable to perform a diagnostic imaging assessment on a patient . In particular, such an endoscope 100 is insertable , for example , into the gastrointestinal tract of the patient to perform such a diagnostic assessment . Such an endoscope 100 is also advantageously usable to perform a therapeutic endoscopic procedure on a patient , e . g . , the removal of polyps .

[0038] The endoscope 100 comprises a body 1 extending along a longitudinal axis X and having a first body end 1 ' and a second body end 1 ' ' or head of the endoscope 100 opposite said first end 1' .

[0039] Furthermore, the endoscope 100 comprises a flexible elongated tube 2 connected to the first body end 1' of the endoscope 100.

[0040] The endoscope 100 comprises, in addition, at least one lighting unit 3 associated with the second body end 1' ’ to illuminate a lumen of a patient, i.e., a cavity anatomically delimited by the set of tissues forming a hollow organ of a patient. For example, such a lighting unit 3 is embodied in one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) . In the example in Figure 7, the endoscope 100 of the invention comprises four LEDs 3.

[0041] The endoscope 100 further comprises an image sensor 4 associated with the second body end 1' ' to capture images inside the patient's illuminated lumen. For example, such an image sensor is embodied in a camera comprising a solid state sensor.

[0042] Such an endoscope 100 comprises a first 5 and at least a second 6, 7 working channel extending through the aforesaid flexible elongated tube 2 and through such a body 1 and ending at the second body end 1' ' of the endoscope, i.e., open from the endoscope head 1' ' .

[0043] In particular, in a first embodiment (not shown in the figures) , the endoscope 100 comprises only two working channels, i.e., a first 5 and a second 6 working channel and is usable, for example, to perform a gastroscopy examination.

[0044] In a second embodiment, the endoscope 100 of the invention comprises the first 5, the second 6 and a third 7 working channel and is usable, for example, to perform a colonoscopy examination.

[0045] In more detail, the aforesaid first working channel 5 of the endoscope 100 allows inserting medical instruments into the patient's organ, or sucking debris and liquids, when such a first channel 5 is not used with such instruments. The diameter of such a first channel 5 is, for example, between 2.7mm and 3.7mm.

[0046] The second working channel 6 of the endoscope is used to convey air to be blown, through a respective nozzle, on the tissues of the organ portion under investigation, to stretch them. By using a nozzle 6' in the shape of a dome protruding from the head 1' ' and provided with a side slit, such a second working channel 6 is usable to convey air onto the lens of the camera 4, in order to clean it. Such a second channel 6 can also convey water to be sprayed on the lens of the camera 4, to clean it of debris. The diameter of such a second working channel 6 is, for example, between 1.2mm and 1.8mm.

[0047] The third working channel 7 is used to convey water towards the head 1' ' of the endoscope 100 to directly spray the tissue portion of the patient's organ shot in the image of the camera 4, to better display it. The diameter of such a third channel 7 is, for example, between 1.2mm and 1.8mm.

[0048] In the following, with reference to Figures 1-8, an example of an endoscope 100 for colonoscopy will be described in detail, i.e., an endoscope 100 comprising the three working channels mentioned above, first 5, second 6 and third 7 working channels. However, the properties and advantages of the present invention are also applicable to endoscopes for gastroscopy, i.e., comprising only two channels, the first 5 and second 6 working channels mentioned above.

[0049] Advantageously, with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 4, the body 1 of the endoscope 100 comprises a core element 8 placed axially inside said body 1 between the first body end 1' , connected to the flexible elongated tube 2, and the second body end 1' ' .

[0050] Such a core element 8 includes a stem 8' comprising first channel portions of each of the aforementioned first 5 and at least second 6, 7 working channels, respectively, connected to each other in one piece along the longitudinal axis X. In particular, with reference to the endoscope 100 shown in the figures, the stem 8' comprises first channel portions 5a, 6a, 7a of each of such first 5, second 6 and third 7 working channels, respectively, connected to each other in one piece along the longitudinal axis X, i.e., the first channel portion 5a of the first working channel 5, the first portion 6a of the second working channel 6 and the first portion 7a of the third working channel 7.

[0051] In an embodiment, the core element 8 of the body 1 of the endoscope 100 comprises a fitting 80, e.g., f rustoconical in shape, connected to the stem 8' . Such a fitting 80 has a first base 81 and an opposite second base 82, connected to each other by a surface S of the fitting. In the example in Figures 3A and 4, in the case of a f rustoconical fitting 80, the first base 81 is the minor base and the second base 82 is the major base of the fitting.

[0052] The fitting 80 comprises mechanical elements 83, 84, 85, 86, 87 projecting from the fitting 80 away from the first base 81 for the connection of the core element 8 with the flexible elongated tube 2.

[0053] In particular, the stem 8' of the core element 8 projects from the fitting 80 along the longitudinal axis X away from the second base 82 of the fitting itself and in the opposite direction to the aforementioned mechanical connection elements 83, 84, 85, 86, 87.

[0054] In an embodiment, the mechanical connection elements 83 , 84 , 85 , 86, 87 of the fitting 80 comprise a first 83 and a second 84 tooth adapted to engage by insertion respective holes obtained in the flexible elongated tube 2 .

[0055] In a further embodiment, such mechanical elements comprise a first 85 and at least a second 86, 87 connection duct adapted to engage , by insertion, second channel portions of the first 5 and at least second 6 , 7 working channels , respectively, housed in the flexible elongated tube 2 .

[0056] With reference to the example endoscope 100 of the figures , the mechanical elements comprise a first 85 , a second 86 and a third 87 connection duct adapted to engage by insertion second channel portions of the first 5, second 6 and third 7 working channels , respectively, housed in the flexible elongated tube 2 .

[0057] In an embodiment, the first channel portions of each of the aforementioned first 5 and at least second 6 , 7 working channels of the stem 8 ' of the core element 8 are connected to each other in one piece so that :

[0058] - an axis of symmetry of the first channel portion 5a of the first working channel 5 lies on a first plane Pl also passing through the longitudinal axis X,

[0059] - an axis of symmetry of the first channel portion 6a, 7a of the at least a second working channel 6 , 7 lies on a second plane P2 , P3 also passing through such a longitudinal axis X and di fferent from the first plane Pl .

[0060] In particular, with reference to the example endoscope having three working channels in Figure 7 , the first channel portions 5a, 6a, 7a of each of said first 5, second 6 and third 7 working channels of the stem 8 ' of the core element 8 are connected to each other in one piece so that :

[0061] - an axis of symmetry of the first channel portion 5a of the first working channel 5 lies on a first plane Pl also passing through such a longitudinal axis X,

[0062] - an axis of symmetry of the first channel portion 6a of the second working channel 6 lies on a second plane P2 also passing through such a longitudinal axis X and di fferent from the first plane Pl ,

[0063] - an axis of symmetry of the first channel portion 7a of the third working channel 7 lies on a third plane P3 also passing through such a longitudinal axis X and di fferent from the first plane Pl and the second plane P2 .

[0064] In Figure 7 , the aforesaid first Pl , second P2 and third P3 planes are depicted, in the sectional view, by dotted lines .

[0065] Based on such an arrangement , the stem 8 ' of the core element 8 of the endoscope 100 is asymmetrical along each of the axes of an orthogonal Cartesian reference system.

[0066] With reference to the embodiment in Figure 2 , the body 1 of the endoscope 100 comprises a first cover element 9 of the body 1 which is tubular in shape .

[0067] Furthermore , such a body 1 of the endoscope 100 comprises a first electronic printed circuit 10 ( Printed Circuit Board or PCB) , in particular flexible, having a straight portion 10 ' , parallel to the aforesaid longitudinal axis X of the endoscope, and having ends connected to a first 10a and a second 10b printed circuit portion, respectively, discoidal in shape and foldable with respect to the straight portion 10 ' .

[0068] In a particular embodiment, the first 10a and second 10b discoidal portions of the first electronic printed circuit 10 , when folded, are orthogonal to the aforesaid longitudinal axis X of the endoscope and include a first 101a and a second 101b through hole coaxial to such a longitudinal axis X .

[0069] Such through holes 101a, 101b are shown in more detail in Figure 8 .

[0070] The body 1 of the endoscope 100 further comprises a magnetic element 11 adapted to be interposed between the first 10a and second 10b folded discoidal circuit portions of the first electronic printed circuit 10 , to be inserted into the first tubular cover element 9 . In a particular embodiment , said magnetic element 11 is a permanent magnet consisting of a cylinder made of ferromagnetic material provided with an axial channel 11 ' parallel to the longitudinal axis X and coaxial to the aforesaid first 101a and second 101b through holes of the first flexible printed circuit 10 . Such an axial channel 11 ' is configured to allow the cylinder made of ferromagnetic material 11 to be fitted onto the stem 8 ' of the core element 8 .

[0071] It should be noted that the asymmetry of the stem 8 ' of the core element 8 of the endoscope 100 prevents any rotation of such a stem 8 ' when it is fitted into the cylinder 11 made of ferromagnetic material .

[0072] Furthermore , still referring to the example in Figure 2 , the body 1 of the endoscope 100 comprises a second cover element 12 of the body 1 adapted to be fitted, at least partially, onto the first cover element 9. Such a second cover element 12 , e . g . , in the shape of a cap, has a front portion 12 ' provided with a first 51 and at least a second 61 , 71 outlet hole of the first channel portions 5a, 6a, 7a of each of the aforesaid first 5 and at least second 6, 7 working channels . With reference to the example of the figures , the front portion 12 ' is provided with a first 51 , a second 61 and a third 71 outlet hole of the first channel portions 5a, 6a, 7 of each of the aforesaid first 5 , second 6 and third 7 working channels .

[0073] Such a front portion 12 ' of the cover element 12 is connected in one piece to a respective annular body 12 ' ’ adapted to be fitted onto a collar portion 9' of the first cover element 9.

[0074] In an embodiment, such a front portion 12 ' of the second cover element 12 of the body 1 of the endoscope 100 is made of a plastic material which is transparent to light radiation .

[0075] Furthermore , the body 1 of the endoscope 100 comprises a second discoidal electronic printed circuit 13 inserted in the stem 8 ' of the core element 8 to be interposed between the first folded discoidal circuit portion 10a of the first printed circuit 10 and the aforesaid second base 82 of the core element 8 .

[0076] In particular, said second electronic printed circuit 13 is configured to collect the electrical connections running inside the flexible elongated tube 2 and connect them to the first electronic printed circuit 10 , thus simpli fying the assembly .

[0077] With reference to the embodiment in Figure 8 , the at least one lighting unit 3 , i . e . , the four LEDs , and the image sensor 4 , i . e . , the camera, are fixed to the second foldable discoidal circuit portion 10b of the first electronic printed circuit 10 . In particular, they are fixed on the surface of such a second 10b circuit portion 10 facing the front portion 12 ' of the second cover element 12 , when such a portion is folded .

[0078] Furthermore , the first foldable discoidal circuit portion 10a of the first electronic printed circuit 10 comprise an electronic processing unit 40 electrically connected, e . g . , by printed conductive tracks 41 , to the at least one lighting unit 3 and to the image sensor 4 . Such an electronic processing unit 40 , e . g . , a microprocessor (Central Processing Unit or CPU) or a microcontroller, is configured to control the activation / deactivation of the LEDs of the lighting unit 3 and enable image acquisition by the image sensor 4 . In particular, such an electronic processing unit 40 is fixed on the surface of the first circuit portion 10a of the first printed circuit 10 facing the second electronic printed circuit 13 when such a portion is folded .

[0079] In addition, the first electronic printed circuit 10 comprises an electronic connector element 45 fixed to the first foldable discoidal circuit portion 10a of the first electronic printed circuit 10 to be opposing the electronic processing unit 40 with respect to the first through hole 101a . Such a connector element 45 is adapted to electrically connect the first electronic printed circuit 10 with the second electronic printed circuit 13 .

[0080] In an embodiment, the endoscope 100 of the invention comprises a third tubular cover element 90 having a first tapered end 91 adapted to be fixed to the flexible elongated tube 2 and an opposite second end 92 . Such a third tubular cover element 90 is configured to house, at least in part , the second channel portions of said first 5 and at least second 6, 7 working channels , i . e . , to house , at least in part, the second channel portions of the first 5 , second 6 and third 7 working channels shown in the figures .

[0081] Furthermore , referring to the example in Figure 6 , the first tubular cover element 9 of the body 1 of the endoscope 100 is configured to be fully fitted into the third tubular cover element 90 . The second cover element 12 of the body 1 of the endoscope 100 is configured to be fitted, partially, into the third cover element 90 so that the second end 92 of the third tubular cover element abuts against the front portion 12 ' of the second cover element 12 .

[0082] The improved endoscope 100 of the present invention has several advantages and achieves the intended obj ects .

[0083] In particular, the use of the core element or skeleton 8 , made for example of plastic material , allows assembling the endoscope 100 in a very simple manner, since it is possible to install each of the other components of the endoscope around such a skeleton . This substantially simpli fies the assembly and thus reduces the cost of the endoscope .

[0084] Furthermore , as mentioned above , the stem 8 ' of the core element 8 is asymmetrical along each of the axes of an orthogonal Cartesian reference system. This allows exactly assembling each component and in particular ensures that in each endoscope the working channel , i . e . , the first channel 5, is positioned in exactly the same manner as the camera 4 . Therefore, in the endoscopic image, the instruments inserted through such a first channel 5 are always displayed in the same place . Such a function is essential to allow operators to correctly position the endoscope 100 before inserting the instrument into the channel 5.

[0085] In addition, the non-symmetry of the stem 8 ' of the core element 8 ensures that the nozzle 6' of the second channel 6 , which emits air or water, is correctly oriented towards the camera 4 during the assembly of the device , without requiring a delicate positioning step of the nozzle itsel f , as in the endoscopes of known type .

[0086] Furthermore , the core element 8 has a shape which minimi zes the volume thereof . Therefore , it reduces the volume of the portion of magnetic material removed from the permanent magnet 11 . Such a property is relevant if a magnetically-guided endoscope is to be implemented . In fact , as is known, there is a compromise or trade-off between the volume of the permanent magnet received in the endoscope body and the dimensions of such a body . The larger the permanent magnet, which implies better driving capability of the endoscope, the larger the endoscope body, which instead worsens the performance of the endoscope . The improved endoscope 100 of the present invention allows having all the required working channels while minimi zing the volume of the permanent magnet 11 inside the endoscope , thus reducing the final dimensions of the body 1 of the endoscope 100 .

[0087] Furthermore , providing the core element 8 of the endoscope 100 allows liquids and debris to pass directly from the flexible elongated tube 2 which reaches the head end 1 ' ' of the body 1 , through the core element 8 . In other words , in the endoscope 100 of the invention it is possible to clearly separate the "dirty" components of such a device from the " clean" ones . It is thus possible to divide the endoscope 100 of the invention into two distinct semi-assemblies :

[0088] 1 ) a first semi-assembly including the flexible elongated tube 2 and the core element 8 ;

[0089] 2 ) a second semi-assembly including the permanent magnet 11 and the electronic circuitry 10 , 13 comprising the LEDs 3 and the camera 4 .

[0090] In particular, the first semi-assembly of the endoscope 100 can be considered for single use, while the second semi-assembly can be easily cleaned and reused . The endoscope 100 of the invention thus allows reducing waste ( in particular the permanent magnet ) and allows improving the performance of the endoscope 100 at a later time, replacing some components , e . g . , the camera 4 , with others having better performance .

[0091] Those skilled in the art may make changes and adaptations to the embodiments of the endoscope described above or can replace elements with others which are functionally equivalent in order to meet contingent needs without departing from the scope of the appended claims . Each of the features described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be implemented irrespective of the other embodiments described . -k 'k 'k

Claims

CLAIMS1. An endoscope (100) usable to perform a diagnostic imaging assessment on a patient, comprising: a body (1) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and having a first body end (1' ) and a second body end (1'' ) opposite to said first end (1' ) ; a flexible elongated tube (2) connected to said first body end (1' ) of the endoscope (100) ; at least one lighting unit (3) associated with said second body end (1'' ) to illuminate a lumen of a patient; an image sensor (4) associated with said second body end (1'' ) to capture images inside the patient's illuminated lumen; a first (5) and at least a second (6, 7) working channel extending through said flexible elongated tube (2) and through said body (1) and ending at the second body end ( 1 ' ' ) , characterized in that the body (1) of the endoscope (100) further comprises a core element (8) placed axially inside said body (1) between the first (1' ) and second (1' ' ) body ends, said core element (8) including a stem (8' ) comprising first channel portions (5a, 6a, 7a) of each of said first (5) and at least second (6, 7) working channels, respectively, connected to each other in one piece alongsaid longitudinal axis (X) .

2. An endoscope (100) according to claim 1, wherein said core element (8) of the body (1) comprises a fitting (80) connected to said stem (8' ) , said fitting having a first base (81) and an opposite second base (82) connected to each other by a fitting surface (S) , said fitting (80) comprising mechanical elements (83, 84, 85, 86, 87) projecting from the fitting (80) away from said first base (81) for the connection of the core element (8) with said flexible elongated tube (2) .

3. An endoscope (100) according to claim 2, wherein the stem (8' ) of the core element (8) projects from the fitting (80) along the longitudinal axis (X) away from said second base (82) and in the opposite direction with respect to said mechanical connection elements (83, 84, 85, 86, 87) .

4. An endoscope (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said mechanical connection elements (83, 84, 85, 86, 87) comprise a first (85) and at least a second (86, 87) connection duct adapted to engage by insertion second channel portions of said first (5) and at least second (6, 7) working channels, respectively, housed in the flexible elongated tube (2) .

5. An endoscope (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first channel portions (5a, 6a, 7a) ofeach of said first (5) and at least second (6, 7) working channels of the stem (8' ) of the core element (8) are connected to each other in one piece so that:- an axis of symmetry of the first channel portion (5a) of the first working channel (5) lies on a first plane (Pl) also passing through said longitudinal axis (X) ,- an axis of symmetry of the first channel portion (6a, 7a) of the at least a second working channel (6, 7) lies on a second plane (P2, P3) also passing through said longitudinal axis (X) and different from said first plane (Pl) •6. An endoscope (100) according to claim 5, wherein said at least a second working channel (6, 7) comprises a second (6) and a third (7) working channel, and wherein: an axis of symmetry of the first channel portion (6a) of said second working channel (6) lies on the second plane (P2) also passing through said longitudinal axis (X) and different from said first plane (Pl) , an axis of symmetry of the first channel portion (7a) of the third working channel (7) lies on a third plane (P3) also passing through said longitudinal axis (X) and different from said first (Pl) and second (P2) planes.

7. An endoscope (100) according to any one of claims 1- 5, wherein said body (1) further comprises: a first tubular cover element (9) of the body (1) ofthe endoscope (100) ; a first electronic printed circuit (10) having a straight portion (10' ) , parallel to said longitudinal axis (X) and having ends connected to a first (10a) and a second (10b) printed circuit portion, discoidal in shape and foldable; a magnetic element (11) adapted to be interposed between said first (10a) and second (10b) folded discoidal circuit portions of the first electronic printed circuit (10) to be inserted into said first tubular cover element (9) ; a second cover element (12) of the body (1) of the endoscope (100) adapted to be fitted, at least partially, onto said first cover element (9) , said second cover element (12) having a front portion (12' ) provided with a first (51) and at least a second (61, 71) outlet hole of the first channel portions (5a, 6a, 7a) of each of said first (5) and at least second (6, 7) working channels; a second electronic printed circuit (13) having a discoidal shape and inserted into the stem (8' ) of the core element (8) to be interposed between the first folded discoidal circuit portion (10a) of the first printed circuit (10) and said second base (82) of the core element (8) .

8. An endoscope (100) according to claim 7, wherein saidfirst (10a) and second (10b) discoidal portions of the first printed circuit (10) , when folded, are orthogonal to said longitudinal axis (X) and include a first (101a) and a second (101b) through hole coaxial to said longitudinal axis (X) .

9. An endoscope (100) according to claim 8, wherein said magnetic element (11) consists of a cylinder made of ferromagnetic material provided with axial channel (11' ) parallel to said longitudinal axis (X) and coaxial to said first (101a) and second (101b) through holes of the first printed circuit (10) , said axial channel (11' ) being configured to allow the cylinder made of ferromagnetic material to be fitted onto the stem (8' ) of the core element (8) .

10. An endoscope (100) according to any one of claims 7- 9, wherein said at least one lighting unit (3) and said image sensor (4) are fixed to the second foldable discoidal circuit portion (10b) of the first electronic printed circuit (10) .

11. An endoscope (100) according to claim 10, wherein the first foldable discoidal circuit portion (10a) of the first electronic printed circuit (10) comprises an electronic processing unit (40) electrically connected to said at least one lighting unit (3) and to said image sensor (4) to control the activation / deactivation of saidlighting unit (3) and enable the acquisition of images by the image sensor (4) .

12. An endoscope (100) according to any one of claims 7-11, further comprising a third tubular cover element (90) having a first tapered end (91) adapted to be fixed to the flexible elongated tube (2) and an opposing second end (92) , said third tubular cover element (90) being configured to house, at least partially, the second channel portions of said first (5) and at least second (6, 7) working channels, said first tubular cover element (9) of the body (1) of the endoscope (100) being configured to be completely fitted into the third cover element (90) , said second cover element (12) of the body (1) of the endoscope (100) being configured to be partially fitted into the third cover element (90) so that the second end (92) of the third tubular cover element abuts against the front portion (12' ) of the second cover element (12) .

13. An endoscope (100) according to any one of claims 7-12, wherein said front portion (12' ) of the second cover element (12) of the body (1) of the endoscope (100) is made of a plastic material which is transparent to light radiation .

Images